CINCINNATI, October 7, 2026 — Cincinnati philanthropists Dr. Timothy Kremchek and Renee and Les Sandler have been named recipients of Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2026 Tree of Life® Award for their remarkable contribution to the Jewish community and the land and people of Israel. The trio will be honored at Jewish National Fund-USA’s annual Tree of Life® Award Gala on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6 p.m
Chaired by Nina and Edward Paul, the annual event celebrates individuals who display outstanding community involvement, professional leadership, dedication to American-Israeli friendship, and devotion to peace and security of human life. As Jewish National Fund-USA marks 125 years of impact, the philanthropic fundraising event will also support the organization’s transformative work securing Israel’s future and strengthening communities throughout Israel’s North and South.
Honoree Dr. Timothy Kremchek
Dr. Timothy Kremchek is a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon and one of the country's leading experts in sports medicine. A founding leader of Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Medical Director of the Cincinnati Reds for more than three decades, he has cared for professional, collegiate, and youth athletes while championing patient-centered care. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Kremchek is a dedicated mentor, philanthropist, and community leader whose work has expanded access to exceptional orthopedic care throughout Greater Cincinnati. His lasting impact extends far beyond athletics, helping individuals and communities live healthier, more active lives.
Honorees Les and Renee Sandler
Renee and Les Sandler are lifelong entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and community leaders whose impact spans business, education, and Jewish life. Les built a remarkable career founding and growing successful businesses, including Sandler Brothers, Concord Realty, and the internationally recognized Scene75 family entertainment centers. Renee has dedicated decades to volunteer leadership, serving in numerous roles with Hadassah and Yavneh Day School while helping strengthen Jewish life in Cincinnati and beyond. Their combined business success and shared passion for giving back continue to leave a lasting impact on their community and future generations.
“As co-chairs of Jewish National Fund-USA’s upcoming Tree of Life® Gala on Nov. 2, we feel that we have exceptional honorees this year,” said Nina and Edward Paul. “In addition, we are happy to be joining our efforts with the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and our Mayerson JCC. All the funds raised at the gala will go towards building a premier baseball field and facilities in Beit Shemesh, Israel, which will be a home for the Israel National Baseball Team and, just as importantly, a place where children from throughout Israel can play, connect, heal, and simply be kids again.”
For more information or to register, visit jnf.org/treeoflifeov or contact Eric Goldstein, Executive Director, Ohio Valley, at EGoldstein.Cinci@jnf.org or call 513.794.1300 x780.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped strengthen the land and people of Israel by investing in the communities, infrastructure, and leadership that shape the country’s future. Our work is focused on making Israel’s North and South places where families can build full, vibrant lives with access to medical care, emergency response, water solutions, parks, playgrounds, jobs, and economic opportunity. Working with our donors and partners, we support underpopulated communities, help attract new residents, improve quality of life, and create the conditions for long-term growth. Our work reaches beyond projects on the ground. Through education, travel, and leadership opportunities, we connect Americans of all ages to Israel in meaningful and lasting ways. That vision continues with the World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva, a global center that will bring people together to live, learn, lead, and strengthen the next generation of Zionist leadership. From urgent relief to long-term transformation, Jewish National Fund-USA is helping build a stronger future for Israel and creating lasting legacies for generations to come. Learn more at jnf.org.
