Aliya Honors Member’s 10th Yartzeit

Aliya supporters and alumni enjoyed a beautiful evening on Sunday night commemorating the 10th Yarzeit of Ben Tzion Keller OBM.

It was the first time since the creation of Aliya that they were able to host their own dinner. In previous years it was held at the JCM or a​t​ donors’ home​s​.

This year, thanks to the generosity of Lavie Popack and others,​ Aliya is now beautifull​y renovated and able to host high scale events.

Moshe Okunov completely transformed the look of Aliya using his high end entertainment lighting. ​Aliya has never looked so beautiful.

Mrs. Hahn and her sons did an amazing job setting up and Chanie Greenbaum sent over some beautiful flower centerpieces. Nati from Mendy’s restaurant did a phenomenal job with a full and delectable buffet table that exceeded all the guests’ expectations.

The evening began with welcome words from long-time Aliya Alum and very close friend of Benzion Keller; Mendy (Gucci) Gahfi. He shared many beautiful words about the impact Aliya had on his life and the lives of many others.

Rabbi Note Shemtov then shared a few examples of some of the young men whose lives were literally transformed by Aliya over recent years.

Rabbi Moishe Feiglin then spoke about Benzion and connected his life to Aharon Hakohen who lifted up the flames of the menora. He then praised the dedicated Rabbi’s at Aliya, to Rabbi Note Shemtov and Rabbi Mendy Baitch for dedicating their lives to this sacred task. He also praised the bnei Aliya for being so awesome and keeping the Rabbis young and full of energy.

Honorees were then called up and praised: Yosef Meir (Joey) and his wife Yaffa Clapman were thanked publicly for the help and support they give Aliya over the years including sponsoring the dinner.

Rabbi Feiglin also thanked Yossi’s mother Ms. Ruchama Clapman, director of MASK for the assistance she gave to Aliya over the years including sponsoring a GED program and offering therapy for Aliya boys and Aliya Girls.

Then came the keynote speaker, Izzy Ezagui, a young IDF soldier who lost his arm defending Israel. A true hero, his story was extremely inspiring, and he received a standing ovation at the conclusion.

Special thank you to the videographer Chaim Lazarus and photographer Marisha Camp for the photos and videos we now have of the event to share. Special thank you to Eber’s Wine and Liquor for sponsoring the wine.

Overall it was one beautiful evening and everyone left truly uplifted and dedicated towards helping Aliya make a difference to the new generation!