VIP and Sponsor reception beginning at 5:30pm
The Middle East Institute is an annual conference designed to educate the community and foster understanding about current topics relevant to Israel and the Middle East through experts with varying perspectives and backgrounds. It is the Jewish Community Relations Council annual showcase event and fundraiser which provides the necessary funding for our Israel Advocacy Initiative, Understanding Israel program, Teen Training programs and our Israel Educational Forum.
Keynote Speaker:
Dumisani Washington
Pastor Dumisani Washington is the Founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), which strengthens the relationship between Israel and people of African descent through education and advocacy. IBSI also condemns the “Zionism is racism” ideology; defends Israel’s right to live in peace with its Arab neighbors; and seeks to help cultivate a mutually beneficial Israel-Africa alliance. Previously Washington served as the Diversity Outreach Coordinator for the over 10-million-member Christians United for Israel (CUFI).
Dumisani is a pastor, professional musician who graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and an author whose latest book is the second edition of Zionism & the Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century.
Israel Advocacy Award:
Rabbi Aaron Krupnick
Rabbi Aaron Krupnick grew up in Philadelphia and its suburbs. He knew he wanted to be a congregational Rabbi from the first grade. Rabbi Krupnick first visited Israel when he was 10 years old with his parents and grandparents. He has since been back countless times, as recently as 6 weeks ago. He has made Israel education and advocacy cornerstones of his rabbinate, and is proud of his congregation's deep commitment to the Jewish State. Rabbi Krupnick and his wife, Dr. Helene Herman Krupnick, a New Jersey native, moved to Cherry HIll in 1994 when Rabbi Krupnick began his 28-year tenure at Congregation Beth El. They have two adult children, Ellie (and her husband, Daniel) and Alex.
Rabbi is a past President of the Tri County Board of Rabbis of South Jersey and the Philadelphia Region of the Rabbinical Assembly. He was twice honored as Beth El's Men's Club Man of the Year.
Next Gen Israel Advocacy Award:
Stay Tuned for our Award Recipent!
Thank You to our Middle East Institute Sponsors
Middle East Institue Co-Chairs
Robin Sue Landsburg and Benjamin Landsburg
Benefactors
Celestine & Jeffrey Berg
Caryn & David Bross / Bross & Frankel, Disability Benefit Attorneys
The Friends of Israel
VIP
Susan & Yaakov Bagley
Len Feldman
Ann-Linn & Larry Glaser
Michael Greenspun
Ann Miller
Nancy Denenberg & Steve Osder
Ellen Podell
Kameron Rabenou
Jerold Rothkoff
Sam Schwartz
Robin & Jeff Shacket
Joyce Shoff
Naomi & Mike Tillinger
Vicki & Brian Zell
Friends
Pamela & Robert Benedon
Supporters
Sherri & Alan Breslow
Harold G. Cohen
Stefanie & Steve Cohen
Michele & Curt Golkow
Heather & Mark Kramer
Robin Sue & Bill Landsburg
Randee & Alan Moldoff
Jamie & Jesse Richman
Allison & David Snyder
Jen & Jim Weiss
Judy & Len Wizmur
Sally & Andrew Zeiberg