From left: Soraya Nazarian, Uri Blackman, Errol and Pat Fine and Ernest Katz attend the Beit Issie Shapiro gathering at Sinai Temple. Photo by Orly Halevy On Oct. 15, approximately 150 lay leaders and supporters of Beit Issie Shapiro gathered at Sinai Temple to support Israeli disability NGO Beit Issie Shapiro during these challenging times in Israel.
After the outbreak of the war in Israel, the organization decided to pivot the focus of the evening to a solidarity evening to support Israel and the organization’s work during this time of crisis.
“We as the Jewish people are experiencing one of the most challenging times as a nation in our recent history,” Uri Blackman, chair of the American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro West Coast region, said. “We all feel helpless and want to do something to support our people during these impossible times. We felt it was important we stand together during this time and shift the focus of the evening; this was an opportunity for us to come together in solidarity for Israel and support one of the country’s most vulnerable populations.”
The solidarity evening included inspirational speeches from Blackman, Dr. Ernest Katz and Sinai Temple Co-Senior Rabbi Erez Sherman.
Tower Cancer Research Fund (TCRF) held a celebratory Magnolia Council Spirit of Hope Luncheon and Boutique at the Beverly Hills Hotel, on Oct. 9.
There were approximately 400 guests at the event, which raised nearly $500,000 for the foundation’s work in the areas of cancer patient support and groundbreaking research.
The event, held two days after the unprecedented attack on Israel’s southern region by Hamas, included words of solidarity with Israel. It also highlighted the stories of cancer survivors while shining a light on TCRF. The afternoon affair also featured numerous vendors selling goods.
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