Ezra USA Past Events
On February 7th, 2012 EZRA USA was proud to host the historic meeting between Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs and leader of the Israel Beytenu party, with the Russian speaking Jewish community of New York. The meeting took place at the EZRA USA and American Forum of Russian Jewry Youth Center. Present were many other prominent members of the Russian Jewish Community: Faina Kirschenbaum member of the Knesset for Israel Beytenu Arik Nudelman Chairman of the Council of Ramat-Gan City, Ronnie Vinnikov the Emissary for Jewish Agency For Israel in New York , Dr. Igor Branovan President of American Forum of Russian-speaking Jewry/RAJI , Dmitry Shiglik and several others. Amongst the speakers, was also our very own Madrich Gennadiy Shnaydeman. Over 300 members of the Russian Jewish Community showed up to listen to Mr. Lieberman speak about the current events taking place in Israel, including members of the Holocaust Association and of the American Association of Veterans of World War II. There were cameras, news crews, and lots of security surrounding the EZRA USA building. At the end of the meeting Danny Elinson the President of EZRA and David Roitman the Executive Director along with the Madrichim, presented Mr. Lieberman with a Madrich T-shirt, welcoming him into the EZRA USA family.
On February 18th 2011 EZRA USA held its Winter 2011/12 Taglit - Birthright Mega Reunion. The event took place at Monaco Night Club in Brooklyn. The event was hosted by our Madrich Manashe Khaimov. The Madrichi of the Winter season put on a short comedic skit for the hanich's and all other guests present, presenting typical "Madrich problems", and bringing the house down with laughter. Over 300 participants both past and present showed up to reunite with Madrichim, friends, and to meet other past alumni. As always, the reunion lasted into the late hours of the night, with plenty of dancing and mingling.
Many may not have heard of a new project in our city "Give a child a smile". Founders of the project: the Russian youth movement Ezra USA, and its always on the move general director David Roitman.I am making this reportage from the office of this project in the "Ezra USA" building, which operates with support from the American Forum of Russian Jewry at 311 Sea Breeze Avenue in Brooklyn (commit this address to memory, I'll be glad if it proves useful). I derived much satisfaction from my conversation with Anna and Amanda, the two charming young ladies who manage and run the project, its volunteers. Anna and Amanda told me all about how this project came into being, and now it is up to me to inform my readers.
Apart from Ezra USA, the project is supported by another organization, called Larger Than Life (LTL). I can already tell you, that it was this organization, which helped making the contact with Israeli children's cancer hospitals.
So, it all started when the two inseparable friends Anne and Amanda decided to spend their leisure time on something useful and meaningful. Anne's attention was caught by the lot of children with cancer, whose numbers, unfortunately, are growing worldwide.
Friday, September 16th 2011, EZRA USA held its monthly Shabbat Dinner. However, this dinner was different from all the others. It was a dinner for all the Madrichi that had ever come through EZRA in the past ten years. It was a sight to see, old and new Madrichi, some meeting for the first time. About 70 Madrichi showed up, many brought their families: wife's, husbands, and children with them, the ones who will one day be future EZRA USA Taglit participants. There was delicious food, beautiful decorations, and great company. Present at the dinner were special guests, the Executive Director of EZRA USA, David Roitman, board member Igor Branovan and Roni Vinikov, the Israeli Emissary of the World Zionist Organization (WZO).
On September 3rd 2011 EZRA USA held its summer 2011 Taglit-Birthright Mega Reunion. The event took place at Club B66 in Brooklyn. The party was hosted by our very own Madrich's, Manashe Khaimov and Julia Shteyman. A Special live performance was given by Y-Love and music for the evening was provided by DJ John Koval. There was guest speaker from the Friends of the IDF (www.fidf.org), who thanked EZRA for their fundraising. This years celebration marked the 10 Year Anniversary Of Ezra USA:Taglit Birthright Israel, making it an extra special one. The party went on into the late hours of the night. Summer group participants reunited with their friends and Madrich's and met past alumni. This event was made possible with generous help and support from the Birthright Israel Alumni Community..
