TAU gala rocks to Miami beat

TAU’s first Miami gathering helps strengthen the University’s ties with city's international community
23 January 2017

Pictured above, from left: Prof. Joseph Klafter, Ambassador Isaac Gilinski, Jaime Gilinski 

 

Some 250 guests from the USA, Israel, Canada, France, Spain, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, and more attended Tel Aviv University’s first international gala in Miami, held at the St. Regis Bar Harbour Resort. Keynote speaker at the dazzling event was former IDF Chief of Staff and TAU alumnus Lt. Gen. (res.) Benny Gantz, who spoke on Israeli national security, his early years in the Israel Defense Forces and his love for Israel.

 

TAU President Joseph Klafter welcomed the participants, saying, “I believe that the common thread among you – what unites you here tonight – is that you care deeply about Israel and its contribution to the world.” In his remarks, Prof. Klafter focused on how Tel Aviv University helps build up Israel in the areas of entrepreneurship, health and improving society.

 

Participating in the event were Consul-General of Israel in Miami Lior Haiat; TAU Campaign Co-Chair Dafna Meitar Nechmad; TAU Vice President for Resource Development Amos Elad; presidents of TAU Friends Associations from around the world; the event co-chairs; and TAU governors and supporters.

 

During the event, Prof. Klafter singled out the Gilinski family for special recognition. Isaac Gilinsky, a TAU Governor, was Ambassador of Columbia to Israel for many years and a regular participant, together with his wife, at TAU International Board meetings. His son, Jaime, a businessman and philanthropist, established a chair in entrepreneurship and technology at TAU’s Coller School of Management in honor of his father. “It’s beautiful to see the kesher, the connection, between father and son and how the love of Israel gets passed on from generation to generation,” said Prof. Klafter.  

 

The Gilinski family was recognized for “their generous patronage of important Jewish and welfare causes in Israel and the Diaspora; their visionary support of higher education and establishment of a chair at Tel Aviv University that is dedicated to strengthening Israel’s global business leadership; and their deep and abiding solidarity with the State of Israel over many decades.”

 

Introductory remarks were also given by Gala Committee Co-Chair and TAU Governor Leslie Gelrubin Benitah, who recently moved from Paris to Miami. She represented her extended family at the event, including her grandfather, David Birene, and mother, Lyne Gelrubin, both longtime TAU benefactors.

 

“My grandfather and I are the bookends of three generations who have committed ourselves to the present and future greatness of Tel Aviv University,” said Benitah, adding that she was looking forward to working to strengthen the community in Miami together with AFTAU South Florida board members.  

Pictured from left: Chantal Aziza; Lt. Gen (Res.) Benny Gantz; Lyne Gelrubin;  Danielle Schemoul; Leslie Gelrubin Benitah; Harry Benitah. Seated: David Birene and Janine Solomon.  

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