Aug 28, 2024

Federation’s Israeli Division Welcomes 10/7 Hero to Miami Home

Federation’s Israeli Division recently gathered to celebrate its vibrant and increased presence in Jewish Miami and welcome Menachem Kalmanzon, recipient of the 2024 Israel Prize for Civil Heroism. Hosted by Malka and Rotem Rodrig, the evening was well attended with 65 guests coming together to hear from guest speaker Menachem Kalmanzon. Kalmanzon recounted how he and his brother saved more than 100 members of besieged Kibbutz Be’eri in the first two days of the war, before his brother was tragically murdered. Guests also heard from Rotem who shared his experiences touring the Gaza Envelope during the Israeli Division’s Israel Mini Mission earlier this summer. Israeli Division Chair Amir Hayun praised the expanded role of the division — the only cohort dedicated to Israelis in the entire Jewish Federations of North America system. Initially created in response to the burgeoning Israeli population in South Florida, the tragic events of October 7 led to an even greater demand for its existence, as large numbers of displaced Israelis arrived in need of services and community. To learn more about the Israeli Division and to get involved, please contact Shelley Benizri at [email protected].