Federation Main Event Puts Spotlight on Israel

More than 1,200 members of Miami’s Jewish community came together to support those in need and to celebrate Israel at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation 2011 Main Event.

Chaired this year by Janet and Richard Yulman, The Main Event is Federation’s largest annual community-wide event, raising funds for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign and helping Jewish people in need in Miami, in Israel and in 64 other countries around the world. Those in attendance pledged more than $5 million.

One highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Friend of Israel Humanitarian Award to Stephen and Sandra Muss, in recognition of their long-standing support of Israel and the Jewish people. In his speech honoring the Musses, Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Jacob Solomon noted that this year marks Stephen Muss’ 60th year of giving to Federation/UJA Campaigns.

The keynote address was delivered by Dan Senor, co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle. Senor spoke passionately about how Israel’s strength as an innovator of products and systems has made a great impact on the world.

At the culmination of The Main Event was a performance by Tararam, a popular Israeli dance and music group that mesmerized the audience with an electrifying mix of rhythm, lights, music and even fireworks.

Following Tararam, Federation Past President and Miami Mega Mission Chair Saby Behar took to the stage to announce the official launch of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Mega Mission Israel 2012, which will take 800 participants to Israel April 22-May 1, 2012. The mission is being presented by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation in cooperation with community nonprofit agencies and synagogues.

Barbara Black Goldfarb is Chair of the Board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Brian L. Bilzin is the General Campaign Chair. Main Event Vice Chairs were Tobi Ash, Katie Crespin, Mark Kravitz, Susan Morrison and David Waxman.

The Federation gratefully acknowledges its Corporate Sponsors for their generous support of The Main Event.

Platinum Sponsors were: Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys at Law; The Collection; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; and Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company.

Gold Sponsors were: Akerman Senterfitt; Kent Security Services, Inc.; The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald; Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, LLP; and Sapoznik Insurance & Associates Inc.

The Silver Sponsor was Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A.

Bronze Sponsors were: Carlton Fields; Goldstein Shechter Koch Certified Public Accountants and Consultants; and Kauffman Rossin & Co., P.A.

Pearl Sponsors were: Action Video Productions; Atlantic Hosiery Outlet; Higer, Lichter & Givner: Northern Trust; Perry Ellis International; and Podhurst Orseck, P.A.

For more information, visit JewishMiami.org or call 305-576-4000.