JNF Ninth Annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast

by Ron Kaye

On the morning of April 26, the Jewish National Fund held its ninth-annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast. More than 300 people attended the event at The Temple on Peachtree Street in Atlanta.

The gathering showcased JNF projects and efforts for the betterment of the Israel state, and recognized three local leaders’ contributions to the Jewish community, JNF and Israel.

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The Cantor Isaac and Betty Goodfriend Jewish National Fund Community Service Award was given to Dr. Perry and Shirley Brickman. The award, established in 2010, is given in recognition of Cantor and Betty Goodfriend’s extraordinary and selfless contributions to the betterment of the land and people of Israel. The Brickmans’ three children spoke on the couple’s behalf.

Additionally, the Tree of Life Award, JNF’s highest honor, was presented to Dr. Ken Stein. The Tree of Life Award is a humanitarian award that recognizes outstanding community involvement, dedication to the cause of American-Israeli friendship, and devotion to peace and the security of human life.

Dr. Stein was presented the award by last year’s recipient, Sam Olens, Attorney General of Georgia. Dr. Stein then spoke about the state of Israel, Israeli independence and the need for contributions from programs like JNF.

A short video was presented to the audience featuring past, ongoing, and future JNF projects in the land of Israel. Rachel Fox, an alumni from JNF’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel, also spoke of the need for continued efforts for the betterment of Israel and ways that younger generations can build upon the efforts already begun and lead JNF into the future