Americans for Ben-Gurion University Recognizes Philadelphia Supporters
Americans for Ben-Gurion University Recognizes Philadelphia Supporters
January 19, 2018
The Philadelphia Jewish Voice – Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s Mid-Atlantic Region raised funds from its annual tribute dinner for the University’s Cyber Security Research Initiative, and its contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Israeli government.
The Cyber Security Research Initiative supports needed infrastructure and allocates grants for innovative cyber research at BGU, with the goal of supporting a national cyber security research center that is globally unsurpassed.
Michele and Robert Levin (left), Americans for Ben-Gurion University Philadelphia Chapter chairs, presenting the award to Jane and Lee Bender
The tribute gala in Philadelphia was not only a fundraiser to support BGU’s cyber security program, but it was also an opportunity to honor local residents for their individual efforts on behalf of this Israeli university.
Two of the award recipients were Jane and Lee Bender, who are active leaders in the Jewish community and in their synagogue, Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El in Wynnewood.
“Throughout our community activism and advocacy, we consistently keep our eyes focused on the mission: to be a light unto the nations and seek to repair and better the world. In this regard, Ben-Gurion University is a shining light, which we are thrilled to support,” Jane and Lee Bender said.
Dr. Barry Kayne, Delaware Chapter chair, presenting the award to Dr. Robin Karol-Eng
Another award recipient, Dr. Robin Karol-Eng, became an ardent proponent of growth in the Negev 20 years ago, and later became chair of the Negev Funding Coalition within the Jewish Federations of North America.
“In that role, I discovered the importance of Ben-Gurion University in the development of the Negev,” said Dr. Karol-Eng. “I have visited there a number of times and strongly believe that BGU is an integral component in the creation of a strong Negev and a strong Israel.”
The final honoree at the gala, Gerald B. Shreiber, was awarded the inaugural Albert and Harriet Soffa Lifetime Achievement Award. Shreiber is president and chief executive officer of J&J Snack Foods Corp., which was a bankrupt soft-pretzel company when he purchased it in 1971, and is now an international company with over a billion dollars in sales annually.
Gerald B. Shreiber receiving the Albert and Harriet Soffa Lifetime Achievement Award
Shreiber has been a veteran Americans for Ben-Gurion University leader and a generous donor for over 30 years. Among other things, he established an endowed scholarship at BGU in honor of his parents and a master’s degree scholarship in honor of his dear friends Albert z”l and Harriet Soffa.
“I have witnessed with my own eyes how Ben-Gurion University, today a major university, has transformed Beer-Sheva, originally a simple desert outpost with cots for sleeping and rationed foods,” said Shreiber.
“I am amazed and proud of the progress, and delighted and gratified to play a part in supporting Americans for Ben-Gurion University.”
Read more on The Philadelphia Jewish Voice website >>
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