xt73ff3m0m45 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt73ff3m0m45/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2017-02 Newspaper of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, previously named the Central Kentucky Jewish Association and Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Published ten times annually. The Federation seeks to bring Jewish community members together through holiday parties, lectures, Yiddish courses, meals, and other celebrations of Jewish heritage and culture. They also host fundraisers and provide financial assistance for Jews in need, both locally and around the world. This collection is part of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records, 2016ms010. newsletters 2016ms010 English Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Inc.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records Jews -- Kentucky -- Lexington Jews -- History Shalom, February 2017 text image Shalom, February 2017 2017 2017-02 2025 true xt73ff3m0m45 section xt73ff3m0m45 Volume XVI
Issue 1
Sh’vat/Adar 5777
February 2017

Newspaper of

w OF? THE BLUEGRASS

 

Barnes & Noble Bookfair
By Talia Snmlkin

A Love of Books and the Jewish Story
BA R N [8 Books, literature, and learning. are all a critical part of the Jewish people and our commu—
" nity. PJ Library®, One Book Jewish Lexington, Barnes & Noble, Jewish Federation of the
Bluegrass and The Lexington Chapter of Hadassah share this love of reading. We are coming
_- together for an all—day Bookfair at Barnes & Noble.

. Shoppers can stop by Barnes & Noble in Hamburg any time on Sunday, February 12 to make
600%11/ a purchase of your choosing. Mention the Bookfair or submit a voucher so part of the pro—
ceeds of your purchase benefits PJ Library in the Bluegrass.

Join one of the exciting programs. We’ll start the morning with a get-together for our fami—
lies with little ones, during a cuddly PJ Playgroup storytime created with Barnes & Noble at 10:15 am. PJ Live! at 4 pm.
will be an interactive performance of PJ Library book Bone Button Borscht by Aubrey Davis. Some amazing actors will
lead this program tailored to our 4-8 year olds. The informal PJ Cafe will go on most of the day for kids and kids at heart.
There will be a special spot in the Starbucks Cafe in the bookstore with board games and PJ Libraiy books, so we can
come together and enjoy each other’s company.

This Bookfair welcomes readers of all ages. Therefore, One Book Jewish Lexington will be during the Bookfair at 2
pm. in the Starbucks Café in the bookstore. This program is sponsored by Jewish Federation and The Lexington Chapter
of Hadassah. Read The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession. Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible by Matti
Friedman. Then come together on February 12 for a discussion of this fascinating story.

Whether you come by yourself or with family, whether you come for (Continued on p. 2)

 

Campaign News
By Tamara Ohayon
‘ . -. The 2016 Annual Community Campaign has closed! Thank you to all who have supported
V Federation‘s work both locally and abroad this past year. More information about the close
of our 2016 campaign will be featured in the March issue of Shalom.

Looking ahead, our 2017 Annual Community Campaign will launch with Super Sunday on
February 26. This phonathon tradition is an excellent way to help us get a strong kick—start
to our fundraising year and create a high bar for positive momentum in the months follow-
mg.
If you see or hear us calling on Super Sunday, please answer with an open heart and open
_ mind. Your friends and neighbors will be asking you to provide emergency assistance to families in need, encourage Jew—
ish engagement and continuity through holiday programming, adult education, books and music from PJ Library, teen
_ Israel experiences and overnight camps, and our local Camp Shalom. And they will be urging you to help us rebuild and
strengthen Jewish communities around the globe, and support social programs across Israel.

Calls will be made between 10 am. and 12:30 pm. You are welcome to pre-empt the solicitation by calling in your gift
to our office at (859) 268—0672, giving online at www.jewishlexington.org, or emailing Tamara. Remember that pledges
made now can be paid at any time through December of 2017.

Interested in volunteering? Super Sunday can be a fun and rewarding experience. Join our team and help us raise funds
for our important programs and projects. We typically have two shifts, each beginning with a brief training, and nosh and
drinks to enjoy. Contact Tantalum ic\\ islilcxingtongrg or call (859) 268-0672 to sign up!

YOU make this community great, and YOU have the power to make it even stronger. Thank you for all you have done,
and will do, to support Jewish life in Central Kentucky and beyond.

Volunteer. Give. Together, let's make 2017 extraordinary!

 

 (Barnes & Noble Bookfair, continuedfrom p. I ) a program. to hang out at the PJ Cafe. or simply to buy your next
book or cappuccino, the February 12 Bookfair offers an opportunity to rejoice together in the magic of reading,
and show our community’s love for Jewish families sharing values and the Jewish story.

Want to volunteer or RSVP for a program? Can’t make it on February 12 but still want to show your support?
Contact talia@jewishlexington.org.

 

President’s Message - In Defense of Israel
By Emlyn Block

I am a very fortunate individual, as I have an opportunity most people do not, in
that I have been given a platform via Shalom with which to express my ideas,
opinions and thoughts on a myriad of topics. I also realize that by virtue of my
position as President of the Federation 1 have a responsibility to avoid contro-
versy or divisiveness. However, there comes a time when a situation presents
itself where this may not be possible, especially when one feels so strongly about
the future of Israel and the Jewish people. Thus, let me just blatantly state that
I cannot find enough adjectives to describe my disdain for the United Nations.

The latest resolution passed by the UN, which the United States voted in favor

of, stating that Israel’s settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have
“no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.” coupled with UNESCO’s (United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) resolution which states Israel has no ties to the Temple
Mount and the Western Wall, its holiest religious sites in Jerusalem’s Old City, makes me throw up my arms and
yell, “Genug iz gunugl” (In Yiddish meaning “Enough is enough”).

Since 1955 there have been approximately 90 resolutions passed by the United Nations against Israel, 21 of these
in 2013, which saw only 4 passed against the rest of the world: one on Syria, a regime which at that time had mur-
dered 120,000 of its own people, and one each against Iran, North Korea and Myanmar. Astonishing, considering
that Israel is a democracy and the UN systematically ignores violations of human rights perpetrated by China,
Cuba, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

It is not my intent to give a history lesson but perhaps several of the countries belonging to the UN need a refresher
course considering that they are pointing the accusatory finger at Israel for destroying the possibility of a two—state
solution between Israel and the Palestinians. This could not be further from the truth when you examine the facts.

November 2, 1917 - Balfour Declaration - Statement of British support for “the establishment in Palestine of a
national home for the Jewish people.”

July 24, 1922 - British Mandate for Palestine - The League of Nations, predecessor to the UN, mandate estab-
lished an area, which included the West Bank, to be a national home for the Jewish people.

1937 — The Peel Commission — Set up by the British to investigate possible changes to the British Mandate. They
proposed an independent Jewish state on 20% of the land and the creation of an Arab state on the remaining 80%,
with both given the fundamental right of self-determination. The Arabs rejected the commission’s plan.

1947 - UN Resolution 181 “The Partition for Palestine” - The United Nations passed Resolution 181,”The
Partition for Palestine” which provided a two—state solution, by dividing the region into a Jewish state, an Arab
state, and a UN—controlled territory around Jerusalem. Again, the Arabs rejected the plan, and the day after Israel
declared her independence in 1948, five Arab armies (Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq) immediately in—
vaded Israel. (More on that later.)

2000 - The Middle East Peace Summit at Camp David - US President Bill Clinton hosted peace talks between
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Israel offered to create a Palestinian
state with nearly every concession the Arabs wanted: an independent state in all of Gaza and 97% of the West
Bank, compensation and right of return for refugees, and control over much of Jerusalem. Prime Minister Barak
accepted President Clinton’s proposal, while Arafat refused, returned home, and launched a new terror campaign
against Israeli civilians. the Second Intifada.

2008 — Olmert’s Plan for Peace — Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas and offered to withdraw from almost the entire West Bank and partition Jerusalem on a demographic basis.
Abbas rejected the plan.

 

 Occupied Territory — In 1945 when the UN was established it acknowledged the Mandate for Palestine. howev-
er, it wasn’t until Britain announced that it would leave the area that they proposed “The Partition for Palestine."
UN Resolution 181. The partition plan was rejected by the Palestinians thus leaving the borders of the Mandate
intact. The ramifications of this decision by the Palestinians had far reaching effects that at the time I am sure they
neither foresaw or understood and today would refuse to accept. What I am referencing is how under international
law their rejection of the Partition of Palestine is now interpreted in reference to Israeli borders. I am confident
the Palestinians would scoff at the interpretation and the UN reject it as it would make them look like the inept
institution that they are. But here, give a read yourself.

“Uti possidetisjuris is widely acknowledged as the doctrine of customary international law that is
central to determining territorial sovereignty in the era of decolonization. The doctrine provides that
emerging states presumptively inherit their pre-independence administrative boundaries.

Applied to the case of Israel, uti possidetis juris would dictate that Israel inherit the boundaries of the
Mandate of Palestine as they existed in May, 1948. The doctrine would thus support Israeli claims to
any or all of the currently hotly disputed areas of Jerusalem (including East Jerusalem), the West Bank.
and even potentially the Gaza Strip (though not the Golan Heights). ”

Having upset the applecart that pursuant to international law Israel inherited the boundaries of the Mandate of
Palestine as they existed in 1948, thus. they have title to the land. let’s consider another point in the controversy of
the “occupied territories.” Recall that in my previous paragraph on UN Resolution 18 l, I indicated (More on that
later). What I want to address is what transpired after Israel declared its independence and was invaded by Egypt.
Syria. Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. Although Israel won the war of Independence, two of the invading armies Jor-
dan and Egypt annexed the West Bank and Gaza respectively. At that time, the status of Jerusalem also changed
as the city was divided for the first time in its history with Jordan controlling East Jerusalem and Israel the West.

The reality is that the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem were part of the territory pursuant to the Mandate of Pales-
tine, and rightfully under Israeli title, but from 1948 until 1967 was occupied by Jordan and Egypt. Interesting that
during that time the Palestinians never attempted to establish an independent state in the region and never used
the term “occupied territory.” Was this because they cooperated with its unilateral annexation, becoming part
of Jordan‘s political system, or was there no outrage over the annexation because Jordan is a state whose ethnic
majority is Palestinian Arabs? However, all that changed in 1967.

In 1967, Egypt, Jordan and Syria threatened to attack and destroy Israel which resulted in the Six Day War. In
a preemptive strike Israel defeated those armies and regained the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, the Golan
Heights and the Sinai Peninsula. Now the Palestinians cry foul using the term “occupied territory.” It is only the
presence of Jews. apparently, that incites this claim. Israel cannot occupy territory it was given in 1948. Occupa-
tion is a myth perpetrated by the fact that the UN continually condemns Israel “occupation” and people do not
realize that UN resolutions are not internationally binding. However, if you say things enough times, even if they
are not true. people begin to believe them.

Much has changed since the Six Day War; Israel has reunited and controls its eternal city Jerusalem, the Sinai
Peninsula has been returned to Egypt and Israel has withdrawn from Gaza, which is now controlled by Hamas. As
for the West Bank, various areas are under Palestinian control, some are under Palestinian civil control and shared
Palestinian and Israeli security control and other areas are under full Israeli control.

The one thing that remains the same is that peace still eludes Israel, and it is not for want of trying. Peace in the
Middle East will continue to be elusive because as much as the Palestinians want their own state they do not want
part of Palestine. they want all of it, and they want it free of Jews. If they were really sincere about a two-state
solution, why have they time and again rejected every proposal that they have been presented with? Why do they
continue to teach generation after generation of their children to hate? The onus is on the Palestinians, the status
quo is not sustainable, it is time they, to paraphrase Abba Eban “not miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity."

In closing I thank you for indulging me. For those of you who may disagree with me, know that I respect your
right to have an opposing opinion.

Evalyn Block
President, Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass

 

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Sunday, February 12th, 2:00 pm.
Barnes & Noble
1932 Pavilion Way, 40509

Read the book The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of
Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible, by
Matti Friedman. This non-fiction detective story traces
the mysteries of this precious manuscript, considered
the most perfect copy of the Hebrew Bible, from Aleppo,
Syria, to Israel.

One Book Jewish Lexington, Barnes & Noble, and

PJ Library® all share a love of reading. This year,

One Book Jewish Lexington will take place during a
Barnes 8: Noble Bookfair benefiting PJ Library in the
Bluegrass. Join us for an engaging discussion about this
year's book, and while you‘re there, support and
celebrate our children's love of literature and Jewish
identity.

For more information, contact Talia at
talia@jewishlexington.org or call 859.286.0672.

 

2017 MLK March for Freedom Unit Breakfast
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Thanks to everyone who joined us for

the annual Martin Luther King, Jr.
March for Freedom on
January 16!

 

 

 Ask A Rabbi
By Rabbi Slzlomo Lirvin

Question: Why was Yosef (Joseph) not recognized by his brothers?

Answer: While teaching a class on the recent portion. a participant asked “How is
it that Yosef was not recognized by his brother? Although the rabbis teach us that
Yosef had grown a beard, changing his appearance. they also inform us that Yosef
greatly resembled Yaakov (Jacob). Certainly, a beard would have made him look
even more like their father. Why did none of the brothers recognize him?”

The question is a great one. None of the sons of Jacob were foolish men, and they all

knew that their brother had descended to Egypt. While it is true they were in shock.

having been arrested and charged with acts of war, the fact remains that they were

in a room with Yosef on several occasions. including sharing an intimate meal.

How did they not notice in all of this time that the young Viceroy of the land their
brother had been sent to bore a striking resemblance to their father?

Let us take a deeper look at Yosef. Yosef is unique in Jewish tradition, as the only person called HaTzadik— the
righteous one. While the Torah is filled with the history of our holy ancestors and their pious deeds, none of them
were given this moniker. What distinguishes Yosef?

Yosef did not live in the Land of Israel like his brothers did. He did not roam the streets of Jerusalem, our eternal
capital, as David and Solomon had. Yosef lived in Egypt, the height of world power; it was a lewd, wanton so-
ciety. driven by greed, desire and lust. In the Land of Israel, Avraham had been educating his guests about God,
Isaac had dug wells for irrigation, and Jacob had raised a tribe of proud Jews. In Egypt, women were kidnapped
on a whim, servants were killed over bad bread, and innocent men were imprisoned on false evidence.

However, even in this center of impurity, Yosef remained pure. In a situation where it would have been easy to
falter, Yosef rose above. He remained righteous, not in Utopia, but in the house of Potiphar and the palace of
Pharaoh.

When Yosef’s brothers entered Pharaoh’s palace, and beheld the Viceroy of Egypt, the antithesis of their home—
land, they did not see Yosef. Even though the evidence was plainly before them, their brains could not compre-
hend what they saw with their own eyes. They could not conceive how a son of Israel could survive in the culture
of Egypt and the secular world.

And yet. Yosef did not just survive, he thrived. He rose to the very height of Egyptian society, not through imi—
tating the societal behavior, but while maintaining his morals, and his character as Jacob’s son. And due to this
courage, Yosef was in a position to be able to provide food and accommodations to Yaakov and his children, and
only through this, the Jewish people survived.

Today we all face the same challenge as Yosef. We all live in a society that does not abide by Jewish values, and
does not always accommodate Jewish practice. However, following the example of Yosef HaTzadik, we can in—
deed continue to grow as active Jews, even in such a secular society.

One Friday night in 1989, a different Yosef, Senator Joseph Lieberman, a proud Jew, was returning to his office
following a vote. A friend stopped him and asked him why he was at work on Shabbos. Senator Lieberman replied
that he had a duty to cast a vote, and now he was returning to his office to sleep, as he could not drive home. His
friend insisted the Senator cross the street to his parents’ apartment, and arranged all the lights as necessary. As
Senator Lieberman settled down, his friend, future Vice President Al Gore, continued home for the evening.

Yosef’s brothers would have been baffled. How can a proud Jew, who does not shy away from discussions of
Shabbos, Kosher, or Jewish values, serve as a senator, and even be nominated as vice president in the greatest
country in the world? How can one serve in that role, and yet remain a committed Jew?

This past week, headlines have been filled by the news that President-Elect Trump’s daughter and son-in-law,
proud Jews, bought a house in Washington, DC. Nearly every article regarding their move mentioned that their
house was close to The Shul. a Chabad synagogue in DC, and many mentioned how important it was to the couple
to find a house near a synagogue.

Following in Yosef’s footsteps, Jews have risen to the very heights of politics in America, and they have done it
while remaining proud sons and daughters of Jacob, secure in their heritage. Just recently, a member of our very

own community was to attend a conference on Chanukah. Rather than avoiding it, he arranged a Menorah
5

 

 lighting there. not only for himself. but for fellow Jews and other members of the conference. Like Yosef. he took
his Judaism with him when he left his home. and became a source of light for others.

Every day. Jews in our community and around the world face this challenge in their work schedule. deciding
where to eat with a client. and doing tasks that might not agree with Jewish values. And every day they stand up.
as Yosef did, recognizable as Jews. and not only survive. but succeed. They set an example, and help to provide
a future for all Jews. From time to time we all face similar choices. The question becomes, ‘When we are chal-
lenged. will we be able to stand. recognizable as Yosef was. as proud descendants of Israel our forefather?’

 

Our local Rabbis write columns pertaining to a variety of topics. We encourage you to submit suggestions for columns
you would be interested in reading to shalom@jewishlexington.org.

 

 

 

ASK JF S

By Mimi Kaufinan
February has been marked as Jewish Disability Awareness month since 2009. The intent
is to remind us that many Jews who live with disabilities still do not have access to the
many opportunities to engage in Jewish life. All people have gifts and talents to share. All
people want to be loved and be with their families. Most people enjoy feeling like they are
a part of a community and can benefit from the support and comfort provided by Jewish
organizations as well.

It‘s important to take time to turn inward and reflect on our successes and shortcomings in
achieving inclusion in our communities. Welcoming the Jewish students from the Stew-
art home in our congregations and community activities with the Federation is a good
example of success. From personal experience of making visits to the Stewart Home for

' (f Jewish holiday celebrations I will tell you that the students who come to services look
forward to participating in worship services very much

It is wonderful that the residents at the Stewart Home are able to be involved in Jewish life. but that is in large part
because of the support and the advocacy the faculty at the Stewart Home are able to provide for their residents.
But what about families in our community who have special needs children or are caring for a disabled adult or
relative? Let us not forget about doing our best as a community to create opportunities for inclusion. Often. those
who are caring for family members with a disability may be very focused on meeting daily care needs. They may
not have the time to research what is happening in the Jewish community that week. Make sure they are involved:
don’t be shy about reaching out to them.

If being an advocate for people with disabilities is of interest to you check out the Kentucky Protection and
Advocacy agency in Frankfort They do wonderful work. Their mission is to protect and promote the rights of
Kentuckians with disabilities through legally based individual and systematic advocacy and education. Anyone
with a disability-related issue can contact Kentucky Protection and Advocacy. Their 1011 free number is [-800-
372-2988. You can look them up at WW“, kapaalgt.

ASK JFS is a monthly column covering a wide range of issues. If you have a problem or a concern that you would like
addressed in this Shalom column. please send them either by mail to Jewish Family Services at 1050 C hinoe Road Suite
[12. or by email (oi/Ts (a [unis/1 g‘LlllL’ltllllilg. You can also always call with your confidential questions at (859) 269-8244.

 

JFS Caregiver Support Meeting

Jewish Family Services is starting a monthly Caregiver Support Meeting. The first meeting will be
February 9, 10:00 am. to 11:00 a.m. at Temple Adath Israel Sisterhood Lounge.

This monthly meeting will provide a confidential and supportive environment to allow family members,
friends and caregivers to meet regularly for mutual support, education, and exchanging of ideas
with one another.

The group will continue to meet the 2nd Thursday of each month and you are open to join at anytime. The
group facilitators are Mimi Kaufman and Carla Guthries, Dementia Care Specialist.

For more information, contact Mimi Kaufman, at j f s @ jewishlexingtonorg.

 

 

 

6

 

 

 2017 One World Films Festival

C ONC USSION - Sunday, February 5, 2:00 p.m. - UK Chandler Medical Center Pavilion A Auditorium
One World Films opens its 2017 film festival series with the showing of CONCUSSION. Brilliant forensic neu-
ropathologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) made the first discovery of CTE, a football related brain trauma
in a pro-player, and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu’s quest put him at dangerous odds with one of the
most powerful and beloved institutions in the world - the NFL. In the film, Omalu consults a noted neurologist
with his research. That neurologist is Dr. Steven DeKosky (Eddie Marsan). Dr. DeKosky and his family lived in
Lexington in the 1980’s (he was a member of UK. Medical Faculty), and they were members of Ohavay Zion
Synagogue. Steve was president of the 028 Board 1985—1987. He is now professor of Alzheimer’s Research at
the University of Florida College of Medicine and Deputy Director of the McKnight Brain Institute.

ROSEN WALD - Thursday, February 23, 7:00 p.m. - Kentucky Theatre

This film is the story of Julius Rosenwald, son of a Jewish immigrant peddler who grew up in the “segregated
South” and never finished high school. yet rose to become head of Sears and Roebuck. He was deeply affected
by the plight of African—Americans in the South (especially the poor quality of education for the children). He
donated his vast fortune to the establishment of schools for African—American children. Together with the help
of Booker T. Washington, they built over 5,000 Rosenwald Schools. (Congressman John Lewis, and the poet
and writer, Maya Angelou attended a Rosenwald School). The New York Times once wrote, “At one point

in the pre-civil rights era, it was estimated that one in three black youths in the South attended a Rosenwald
School.” The Lexington Chapter of Hadassah will host a reception in the theater following the film showing.

JOURNEY INTO EUROPE - Thursday, March 2, 7:00 p.m. - Kentucky Theatre
This document was written. directed and filmed by Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, a world-renowned anthropolo-
gist, Islamic scholar, and filmmaker. In the film, viewers will hear from some of Europe’s most prominent
figures, including prime ministers. archbishops, chief rabbis, grand muftis, and everyday Europeans from all
walks of life. In Rabbi Reuven Firestone’s book, Who Are the Real Chosen People?, (Rabbi Firestone was in
Lexington in the Fall to deliver the Moosnick Lectures), there is an introductory blurb by Dr. Ahmed. A Mus-
lim—American patron of One World Films will host a reception in the theater following the film showing. Dr.
Ahmed is now Chair of the Islamic Studies Program at American University.

DOUGH - Thursday, March 9, " _ ' _ —
7:00 p.m. - Kentucky Theatre ll FE March 23, 2017
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 Israel 21c: 15 Israelis making a mark on Silicon Valley’s tech scene
By Viva Sarah Press
(Originally published online January 12. 2017)

More than 10.0001srae1is have chosen to build their careers in the world” s
largest ecosystem for high—tech.

Silicon Valley may have competition from Tel Aviv and New York to-
. day in terms of where a blue-and-white startup should base itself, but that
K hasn’t stopped the Israeli entrepreneurial community in California from
growing.

“Now it’s easier to make it elsewhere but if you want to be where it’s at,
that’s still Silicon Valley,” Moshik Raccah, cofounder of IEFF (Israeli
Executives and Founders Forum), tells ISRAEL21c.

“This is where the future is happening. This is where all the big technology companies are. this is where your
partners are and this is where the best talent in the world is. Like New York for the money people and Hollywood
for the movie industry. this is Ground Zero for tech.”

Israel’s Consul General to the Pacific Northwest Andy David recently estimated that there are 10,000 to 15.000
Israelis working in Silicon Valley today.

lSRAEL2lc is itself a product of Silicon Valley. founded in 2001 by Israeli—American entrepreneur Zvi Alon
(founder of the California Israel Chamber of Commerce. NetManage, Netvision and other startups) and later
joined by Eric Benhamou (3Com. Palm, Benhamou Global Ventures) to highlight Israel's creativity and innova-
tion at a time when no other website was focusing on broadening public understanding of Israel beyond typical
portrayals in the mainstream media.

While many Israeli entrepreneurs start their own businesses, others such as Johny Srouji (senior VP-hardware
technologies at Apple), Tomer Cohen (head of content, Linkedln), Ran Makavy (VP-growth at Lyft) and Noam
Bardin (chief Wazer at Google) hold key positions in American companies.

“Some of the best talent from Israel is coming here. They are starting wonderful companies in Silicon Valley and
they’re collecting talent around them which is not just Israeli,” says Raccah, who relocated from Israel in 2001
while working for Amdocs.

Some Israelis arrive with company relocation programs as Raccah did; some attend US universities and choose to
stay; and others come specifically to pursue business opportunities.

Investors like Gigi Levy Weiss, who recently returned from Silicon Valley to Israel. nurture the Israeli-Califomia
business relationship. Levy Weiss, founding partner of the NFX Guild, introduces investors to blue—and-white
startups.

“In the tech world there is a lot of appreciation for Israeli tech people and tech startups.” says Raccah. “Israel has
a wonderful reputation in tech. We’re considered some of the best.”

ISRAEL2lc presents 15 of the many movers and shakers in the Israeli startup scene in Silicon Valley, in no par—
ticular order:

1. Oren Zeev

Oren Zeev and Oren Dobronsky (see next entry) are often mentioned in the same sentence. The two share a sense
of responsibility for grooming the next generation of Israelis in Silicon Valley. They’re also early investors who
take an active company-building role.

Zeev, founder of Zeev Ventures, was an early investor in Chegg, Houzz, Audible, Tipalti and others, and sits
on numerous boards of directors. He is also cofounder and chairman of supplier payments automation platform
Tipalti.

Israeli entrepreneurs, product managers and engineers interested in moving to Silicon Valley often turn to Zeev
for advice.

“Israelis here succeed at all levels, as entrepreneurs and as executives. An Israeli who lands here has a massive
advantage over Swedes, Italians — or even Texans — because everyone knows everyone,” Zeev told Haaretz,
adding that Israelis are represented at every significant company in the area.

8

 

 2. Oren Dobronsky

Not many high-tech CEOs can claim they own a popular hummus eatery but Oren Dobronsky, cofounder and
CEO of virtual shopping mall app Wondermall, sure can. Dobronsky arrived in Silicon Valley in 2008 after eight
years in New York.

“Life in the Valley was good, but one thing was missing: a big plate of creamy hummus like back