“Symphony & Solidarity” Event Draws Over 300 Supporters of Israel
TAMPA, Fla., January 24, 2024 — More than 300 local community members united in a powerful show of solidarity with the people of Israel on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Symphony & Solidarity reception featuring members of the Florida Orchestra and a vocalist.
Members of the Florida Orchestra Perform in Tampa for JNF-USA's Symphony and Solidarity Event
The event took place at Congregation Rodeph Sholom and included prayers for Israel and a moving performance by acclaimed instrumentalists, including Israeli cellist Yoni Draiblate; conductor, pianist, and cellist Victor Minke Huls; and double bass player Ryan Sujdak. Mezzo-Soprano Kimberly Draiblate also performed with the orchestra trio.
In one of the most memorable moments of the evening, the musicians played a beautiful rendition of Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem, while hundreds of attendees sang the lyrics in unison.
“It was a wonderful night of Symphony and Solidarity, with terrific musicians from the Florida Orchestra and a great singer,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Tampa Co-President Nathaniel L. Doliner. “While we keep our brothers and sisters in and from Israel continually in our minds, the evening afforded us a brief respite to enjoy the great art that human beings produce in contrast to the barbarity of Hamas.”
Attendees Singing Hatikvah
Jewish National Fund-USA Co-Presidents Honor Rogers and Nathaniel Doliner educated attendees about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Israel Resilience Campaign (jnf.org/supportisrael), which has raised over $50 million since October 7, 2023, and has supported the evacuation and relocation of tens of thousands of residents in Israel’s South while providing thousands more with housing, food, clothing, and other supplies.
The campaign also includes a new bold and strategic plan, Livnot B'Yachad - Build Together, which will create a secure, beautiful haven in the region and include projects like new housing, fresh coats of paint, beautiful parks, repaved roads, and more.
“Jewish National Fund-USA was there for the people of Israel yesterday, they are with them today, and they will be with them tomorrow,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s Director in Tampa Marc Silver. “The organization has already begun working to rebuild communities devastated by the attacks and the ongoing war, and its long-term goal is for all residents to return home.”
Members of the Florida Orchestra Performed at JNF-USA's Symphony and Solidarity Event
At the event, Silver, also presented the Florida Orchestra musicians and Rodeph Shalom Rabbi Andres Kornworcel with “Be Inscribed” certificates stating words have been inscribed in the Torah in their honor. When completed, the Torah will be donated to a community in Israel.
For more information or to learn about upcoming local events, contact Marc Silver, JNF-USA Director, Tampa, at msilver@jnf.org or 727.536.5263 x891.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Milton
About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.