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Consul General Inaugurates Hub, Jewish Agency Visits J Los Angeles, NewGround Board Chair

Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community.
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July 28, 2023
Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles Hillel Newman (sixth from left) helped inaugurate a computer hub at a Santa Ana church. Courtesy of the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles

Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles Hillel Newman inaugurated a computer hub at the Ministerios Betesda church in the city of Santa Ana on July 16.

In attendance was Congressman Lou Correa (D-Orange County), whose district includes Santa Ana. Correa spoke about how technology is so vital to the community he serves and the importance of education for success. 

“We all are one community,” Correa said. “Nobody in society does it on their own. All of us need a hand to succeed.”

Pastor Ronald Vides and Youth Pastor Ricardo Vides of Ministerios Betesda graciously hosted the event and moderated the program. Anaheim City Council Member Stephen Faessel and Lisbeth Rosales, aide of Santa Ana City Councilmember Thai Viet Phan, delivered remarks and presented certificates in praise and recognition of Israel.

Everyone joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which also included philanthropist Liz Hirsh Naftali, who was instrumental in supporting the initiative.

Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles (left) and Congressman Lou Correa celebrate the opening of a new computer hub at a Santa Ana church.
Courtesy of the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles

“Our presence here in this ceremony represents Israel’s foundational belief of highlighting the significance of sharing technology and innovation to the world,” Newman said. “Israel is one of the leading nations in innovation and technology. We understand more than most that brainpower is a nation’s most valuable asset. I know our communities share a passion for education, and we hope together this hub will provide resources and tools to those who need it.”

This hub is part of the Consulate’s outreach effort to communities. The work also includes murals with messages of hope and support, among other initiatives.


From left: J Los Angeles Executive Director Brian Greene; Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman Doron Almog; Summer Shlichut Program Director Gal Atia; J Los Angeles Director of Camp and Family Programs Edana Appel; and J Los Angeles Board President Tony Regenstreif. Courtesy of J Los Angeles

IDF Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, chairman of the executive at the Jewish Agency for Israel, and Gal Atia, director of the Jewish Agency’s summer shlichut program, visited J Los Angeles on July 19 to engage in a meaningful exploration and discussion with J Los Angeles leadership and families on the role of Israeli summer shlichim (emissaries) at Jewish day camps.

 The J Los Angeles’ popular JCamp summer program hosts emissaries each summer who build a connection between the campers and Israeli life and culture. JCamp is the only American Camp Association-accredited Jewish day camp in Los Angeles. Over 350 campers attend JCamp each summer at J Los Angeles, formerly Westside JCC.


Paul Beck. Courtesy of NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change

NewGround: A Muslim Jewish Partnership for Change has named Paul Beck its new board chair. 

Beck, who was raised in Los Angeles, seeks to foster relationships across cultural, religious, racial and gender-based lines, in relationship with others to connect and empower Muslims and Jews as peace builders in partnership.

He has previously been active at the Los Angeles Jewish Federation Council and at Leo Baeck Temple, where he has served a board trustee and officer. According to the NewGround website, he is committed to working within the city’s diverse community to facilitate and build communication.

NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Peace attempts to engage Jews and Muslims in authentic communications and relationships through education, shared experiences and other programming. It offers a professional fellowship and high school leadership council.

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