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PAST LIVE EVENTS

Combating BDS & Antisemitism
May 15 and 22, 2023
This month IAJF held a 2-part workshop for high school and college students and their parents. The program educated parents and students about the realities in Israel and addressed the ways in which anti-Israel hate can also be antisemitic. Over two sessions, dynamic presenters Ron Wasserman and Justin Ellis of Fuel for Truth, author and speaker Shahar Azani, IDF trainer Lt. Elyashiv, and lone soldier Corey Feldman engaged dozens of community members, teaching facts, modeling the types of claims and inaccuracies that students will often hear from pro-BDS advocates, and teaching productive ways of communicating in these situations.
Students attending the second session also heard from community members Alya Shor and Alexandra Ahdoot about their respective experiences in the IDF and at college. This second, more in-depth and interactive session also explored actual recorded scenarios and utilized role-playing for students to learn how to respond.
With a line-up of powerful speakers, the workshops were not only informative but engaging and empowering, giving those present practical tools to take with them.
This month IAJF held a 2-part workshop for high school and college students and their parents. The program educated parents and students about the realities in Israel and addressed the ways in which anti-Israel hate can also be antisemitic. Over two sessions, dynamic presenters Ron Wasserman and Justin Ellis of Fuel for Truth, author and speaker Shahar Azani, IDF trainer Lt. Elyashiv, and lone soldier Corey Feldman engaged dozens of community members, teaching facts, modeling the types of claims and inaccuracies that students will often hear from pro-BDS advocates, and teaching productive ways of communicating in these situations.
Students attending the second session also heard from community members Alya Shor and Alexandra Ahdoot about their respective experiences in the IDF and at college. This second, more in-depth and interactive session also explored actual recorded scenarios and utilized role-playing for students to learn how to respond.
With a line-up of powerful speakers, the workshops were not only informative but engaging and empowering, giving those present practical tools to take with them.

21st Annual Gala
November 15, 2022
On November 15, 2022, IAJF marked 21 years of Investing in the Next Generation. Celebrating in the newly renovated David Geffen Hall, it was incredible to share the evening once again with over 1,100 supporters. We are proud that nearly half of our room was filled with members of our active Young Leadership Division, our next generation.
Please click the link below to read more and view photos from this event.
On November 15, 2022, IAJF marked 21 years of Investing in the Next Generation. Celebrating in the newly renovated David Geffen Hall, it was incredible to share the evening once again with over 1,100 supporters. We are proud that nearly half of our room was filled with members of our active Young Leadership Division, our next generation.
Please click the link below to read more and view photos from this event.

20th Annual Gala
December 2, 2021
IAJF celebrated its 20th anniversary with a hybrid event featuring keynote speaker 70th Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and emcee Ellie Cohanim.
IAJF celebrated 20 years of Empowering Lives Together on December 2, 2021. We were thrilled to be able to celebrate in person with several hundred supporters, and to share this milestone occasion with both our Young Leadership, who held a live viewing party, and with thousands more via live broadcast.
It was a warm and exciting evening, as outstanding dignitaries, speakers, performers, and community leaders came together to recognize two decades of IAJF’s work empowering those in need.
The evening’s highlights included:
● IAJF Board member and gala emcee, Ellie Cohanim, spoke eloquently of what we accomplished in 2021 and throughout our 20-year history, accompanied by beautiful visual presentations and short movies of some of the projects we supported this year.
● Our close partnership with Israel was on full display as we proudly hosted a number of Israeli dignitaries and IDF soldiers. Prime Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett greeted the audience virtually and Consul General of Israel in New York Asaf Zamir thanked IAJF for its work on behalf of the State and people of Israel, particularly during the rocket attacks this past spring.
● Michael R. Pompeo, 70th Secretary of State of the U.S., dialogued with IAJF President Steven Khadavi about U.S.-Iran relations, the Abraham Accords, and the current situation with China, providing us with a unique perspective on the changing world environment.
● The IDF Ensemble shared three moving, lively performances, enhancing our celebration with their music and energy.
● IAJF Chairman Shahram Yaghoubzadeh presented heartfelt tributes to two community pillars we lost this year, Elias Kalimian z”l and Yosef Shahery z”l. They have left indelible marks on IAJF, on the local community, and on the lives of thousands around the world.
● The accomplishments of our growing Young Leadership Division were highlighted by IAJF-YL President Stephanie Torkian, including their second successful fundraising campaign, this year dedicated in support of IDF lone soldiers.
IAJF celebrated its 20th anniversary with a hybrid event featuring keynote speaker 70th Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and emcee Ellie Cohanim.
IAJF celebrated 20 years of Empowering Lives Together on December 2, 2021. We were thrilled to be able to celebrate in person with several hundred supporters, and to share this milestone occasion with both our Young Leadership, who held a live viewing party, and with thousands more via live broadcast.
It was a warm and exciting evening, as outstanding dignitaries, speakers, performers, and community leaders came together to recognize two decades of IAJF’s work empowering those in need.
The evening’s highlights included:
● IAJF Board member and gala emcee, Ellie Cohanim, spoke eloquently of what we accomplished in 2021 and throughout our 20-year history, accompanied by beautiful visual presentations and short movies of some of the projects we supported this year.
● Our close partnership with Israel was on full display as we proudly hosted a number of Israeli dignitaries and IDF soldiers. Prime Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett greeted the audience virtually and Consul General of Israel in New York Asaf Zamir thanked IAJF for its work on behalf of the State and people of Israel, particularly during the rocket attacks this past spring.
● Michael R. Pompeo, 70th Secretary of State of the U.S., dialogued with IAJF President Steven Khadavi about U.S.-Iran relations, the Abraham Accords, and the current situation with China, providing us with a unique perspective on the changing world environment.
● The IDF Ensemble shared three moving, lively performances, enhancing our celebration with their music and energy.
● IAJF Chairman Shahram Yaghoubzadeh presented heartfelt tributes to two community pillars we lost this year, Elias Kalimian z”l and Yosef Shahery z”l. They have left indelible marks on IAJF, on the local community, and on the lives of thousands around the world.
● The accomplishments of our growing Young Leadership Division were highlighted by IAJF-YL President Stephanie Torkian, including their second successful fundraising campaign, this year dedicated in support of IDF lone soldiers.

18th Annual Gala
November 19, 2019
IAJF celebrated its 18th (“Chai”) birthday with an “Evening of Empowerment” featuring keynote speaker Ambassador Nikki Haley and emcee Michelle Divon.
IAJF celebrated its 18th (“Chai”) birthday with an “Evening of Empowerment” featuring keynote speaker Ambassador Nikki Haley and emcee Michelle Divon.

17th Annual Gala
November 14, 2018
IAJF celebrated Israel’s 70th birthday at Lincoln Center with an event featuring top Israeli model Titi Ayenew, comedian MODI, and Master Magician Tomer Duday.
IAJF celebrated Israel’s 70th birthday at Lincoln Center with an event featuring top Israeli model Titi Ayenew, comedian MODI, and Master Magician Tomer Duday.

16th Annual Gala
November 15, 2017
IAJF commemorated the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem at Lincoln Center with keynote speaker Governor Mike Huckabee, Master Mentalist Lior Suchard, and comedian Elon Gold.
IAJF commemorated the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem at Lincoln Center with keynote speaker Governor Mike Huckabee, Master Mentalist Lior Suchard, and comedian Elon Gold.

15th Annual Gala
November 16, 2016
IAJF celebrated unity at its 15th annual gala, with keynote speaker Ambassador Ron Dermer and comedian Elon Gold.
IAJF celebrated unity at its 15th annual gala, with keynote speaker Ambassador Ron Dermer and comedian Elon Gold.

2016 Celebrate Israel Parade
June 5, 2016
IAJF marched in support of Israel and co-sponsored a Cyrus Cylinder-themed float.
IAJF marched in support of Israel and co-sponsored a Cyrus Cylinder-themed float.

Israel Museum Event
February 15, 2016
In a meaningful ceremony attended by hundreds, IAJF dedicated a limited-edition Gold Stamp of the Cyrus Cylinder to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
In a meaningful ceremony attended by hundreds, IAJF dedicated a limited-edition Gold Stamp of the Cyrus Cylinder to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

14th Annual Gala
November 4, 2015
IAJF celebrated its annual Gala with keynote speaker Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon, comedian Elon Gold, and a tribute to IAJF Vice President Yosef Shahery for a lifetime of impact on the community and Israel.
IAJF celebrated its annual Gala with keynote speaker Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon, comedian Elon Gold, and a tribute to IAJF Vice President Yosef Shahery for a lifetime of impact on the community and Israel.

Cyrus Cylinder UN Event
August 10, 2015
IAJF hosted an exclusive event at United Nations Plaza Headquarters, with the Israeli Mission, to introduce the Israeli stamp commemorating the Cyrus Cylinder.
IAJF hosted an exclusive event at United Nations Plaza Headquarters, with the Israeli Mission, to introduce the Israeli stamp commemorating the Cyrus Cylinder.

2015 Celebrate Israel Parade
May 31, 2015
IAJF participated in the march up Fifth Avenue in support of Israel, enjoying Persian and Israeli music and co-sponsoring a float designed to look like the Cyrus Cylinder.
IAJF participated in the march up Fifth Avenue in support of Israel, enjoying Persian and Israeli music and co-sponsoring a float designed to look like the Cyrus Cylinder.

Beneath the Helmet
January 7, 2015
IAJF co-hosted a private screening of a film depicting the coming-of-age story of 5 Israeli high school graduates drafted into the Israeli army.
IAJF co-hosted a private screening of a film depicting the coming-of-age story of 5 Israeli high school graduates drafted into the Israeli army.

OneFamily Fund Evening of Healing
December 31, 2014
IAJF partnered with OneFamily in an evening of healing and support for needy bereaved families.
IAJF partnered with OneFamily in an evening of healing and support for needy bereaved families.

13th Annual Gala
November 6, 2014
Over 1,000 people joined at Lincoln Center for a Gala featuring comedian Elon Gold and an inspirational panel with a lively Q&A session.
Over 1,000 people joined at Lincoln Center for a Gala featuring comedian Elon Gold and an inspirational panel with a lively Q&A session.

Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County’s Generations Conference
June 8, 2014
IAJF supported the day-long conference for over 700 people featuring workshops on Holocaust-related topics.
IAJF supported the day-long conference for over 700 people featuring workshops on Holocaust-related topics.

2014 Celebrate Israel Parade
June 1, 2014
IAJF co-sponsored a float and marched in celebration and support of Israel.
IAJF co-sponsored a float and marched in celebration and support of Israel.

12th Annual Gala
November 7, 2013
IAJF commemorated its 12th Gala at a Lincoln Center event featuring keynote speaker former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Hanoch Budin, IDF veteran turned Paralympic medalist.
IAJF commemorated its 12th Gala at a Lincoln Center event featuring keynote speaker former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Hanoch Budin, IDF veteran turned Paralympic medalist.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Cyrus Cylinder Exhibit
Summer 2013
IAJF co-sponsored the exhibit at the Met of the Cyrus Cylinder and 16 related works reflecting the innovations initiated by Persian rule in the ancient Near East.
IAJF co-sponsored the exhibit at the Met of the Cyrus Cylinder and 16 related works reflecting the innovations initiated by Persian rule in the ancient Near East.

2013 Celebrate Israel Parade
June 2, 2013
IAJF joined the parade and co-sponsored a float designed to look like Queen Esther’s shrine in Iran, with the theme “The Children of Esther Salute the State of Israel.”
IAJF joined the parade and co-sponsored a float designed to look like Queen Esther’s shrine in Iran, with the theme “The Children of Esther Salute the State of Israel.”

UN Concert
March 5, 2013
IAJF co-sponsored a “Tunes for Peace” concert featuring Israeli-Iranian singer Rita at the United Nations General Assembly Hall.
IAJF co-sponsored a “Tunes for Peace” concert featuring Israeli-Iranian singer Rita at the United Nations General Assembly Hall.

11th Annual Gala
November 28, 2012
IAJF’s annual celebration featured keynote speaker Professor Alan Dershowitz and Experimentalist Gerard Senehi.
IAJF’s annual celebration featured keynote speaker Professor Alan Dershowitz and Experimentalist Gerard Senehi.
YL EVENTS
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