250 Philanthropic “Wonder Women” Unite for “Hollywood, Antisemitism, and Israel” Event in LA
LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2023 — 250 female philanthropists who are passionate about building a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel, examined the complex relationship between Hollywood, antisemitism, and Israel while raising money for charity, at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel Luncheon at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel.
Eva Katz, Laura Stein, Marcia Selz, Susie Toczek, Sara Cannon, Sharon Joy
Chaired by Dr. Marcia Selz, Laura Stein, and Jewish National Fund-USA’s Greater Los Angeles Co-President Susie Toczek, the annual event featured Malina Saval, the Features Editor at Variety, and Allison Josephs, the Founder and Executive Director of Jew in the City.
Saval has covered topics straddling the entertainment and human-interest beats, including Israeli TV, film, and music — penning articles about world-famous series including Fauda, Shtisel, and The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem. Joseph’s nonprofit, Jew in the City, launched the first and only Jewish Hollywood Bureau advocating for more authentic depictions of Jews directly to the studios and she is the Partner in Torah mentor to actress Mayim Bialik.
Allison Josephs, Malina Saval (credit Kevin Roznowski)
“The relationship Jews have with Hollywood is complex and defies every stereotype we see,” said Los Angeles Women for Israel Chair, Sara Cannon. “Allison and Malina are brilliant leaders in their fields, and their efforts to see Jews and Judaism properly represented is inspiring.”
The Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest, Dr. Hillel Newman, also addressed the room filled with partners (donors) and ambassadors of the leading philanthropic organization for Israel. “Israel at 75. It’s a miracle story,” he said. “It has been a constant battle; it hasn’t been easy, but despite all the difficulties, Israel not only survived, but Israel thrives.”
Jewish National Fund-USA’s National Campaign and Arts & Entertainment Task Force Director, Sharon Joy, also announced that the organization had surpassed its one-billion-dollar ten-year fundraising goal ahead of schedule. “Jewish National Fund-USA is a big organization with one big heart, where we spearhead projects, change a child’s life, and give a soldier with disabilities the opportunity to serve in the IDF,” she said. “We build and beautify bomb shelters, we build communities, we provide them with water, infrastructure, fire trucks, employment, arts and entertainment, and so much more. One community at a time from the Negev to the Galilee.”
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel chapter in Greater Los Angeles, contact Eva Katz, Associate Director, Greater Los Angeles at ekatz@jnf.org or 323.964.1400 x960.
Fern Salka, Sharon Joy, Debbie Kornberg, Alyse Golden Berkley
Alyse Golden Berkley, Sharon Polansky
Top: Tobi Coughlin, Lou Rosenberg, Jill Rosenberg, Cindy Mintz
Bottom: Dianne Kraus, Karen Roberts, Kim Kowsky, Jeanine Canter
Sharon Joy, Helen Loewenstein, Julie Ovadia, Ruth Eisen
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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.