On May 27, 2026, a large gathering of supporters of State of Israel Bonds convened together for an annual night of unity. This year’s honoree lineup included Marjan Greenblatt of SHAI, Hon. Richard and Elise Kestenbaum of Temple Israel of Great Neck, and Dr. Paul and Drora Brody of Great Neck Synagogue.

The evening was a tremendous success thanks to the efforts of co-chair Mike Shahram Delafraz, to record sales of Israel Bonds, and to a great program. In addition to the night’s outstanding honorees, the evening was to include Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. When Schanzer was unable to attend due to a last minute occurrence, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt spoke extemporaneously and compellingly of the importance to lean into State of Israel Bonds during a critical historical time — what Greenblatt termed Zionism and American “reckoning”.

The evening’s meaningful program included a terrific AI video presentation of Israel’s history narrated by “Chayim Weitzman,” delicious light bites and wines, benedictions led by Hazzan Rav Brian Shammash, and a prayer for peace led by SHAI Vice President Rebecca Sassouni.