We are honored to be chairing this year’s Dinner and would like to take a moment to explain why we believe that this year’s event is MORE important than ever (MORE being a theme for the Dinner that you will continue to read about in the coming weeks).

 

We are living in a moment in history where Jews around the world and the State of Israel are being threatened. Outside of the protective walls of the Yeshiva educational system, the growth of antisemitism is astounding. It can be seen from the earliest of ages all the way through graduate school. Our children are extremely blessed and fortunate to be able to thrive in an environment that shows love for Israel and Judaism, while simultaneously providing an exceptional secular education. WDS has armed our students with useful, accurate, and persuasive information, allowing them to speak intelligently on matters related to the State of Israel. In just the last three weeks, we have seen at least five of our alumni spotlighted in major national media outlets about this very topic.  

 

Westchester Day School has afforded generations of students a safe space to learn about our collective history, our religion and the greater world around us. The secular studies at WDS have never taken a back seat, and WDS alumni have become leaders in their high-schools, universities and careers. Many of our alumni have been awarded valedictorian of their graduating high school class, and perhaps most importantly, our students are known as mensches and upstanding citizens in every environment they land.

 

WDS also boasts an impressive track record of returning alumni as parents in the school. This is a testament to our alumni’s belief that the education that they received set them on a strong path towards success. 

 

This year’s honorees, Batya & George Puro, Rachel & Jonathan Rosenfeld, and Dara & Matthew Shatzkes are examples of families who have been relentless in the support of Westchester Day School and Israel. It is our true honor to be celebrating them and Becky Shapiro, this year’s recipient of the Educator’s Award. 

But today, our overwhelming thoughts are with Medinat Yisrael. Westchester Day School has always emphasized the importance of the Land of Israel within its curriculum. This is just one of the reasons why it is more important than ever to come together and support our beloved community day school. WDS has provided the foundation our children need to be able to grow and be proud advocates of Judaism and Israel. 

 

Please join us in making this year’s annual dinner the most successful campaign in WDS history. We look forward to coming together on December 16 and proudly showing our support of Jewish education and our unwavering commitment to Israel. 

 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Malka Helft, Miriam Loren, and Deena Zlotnick

Dinner Co-Chairs