On May 27, 2026, a large gathering of supporters of State of Israel Bonds convened 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 featured Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. When Schanzer was unable to attend at the last minute, Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, spoke extemporaneously and compellingly of the importance of leaning 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 catering by Great Neck Glatt, wines by LaVino, benedictions led by Hazzan Rav Brian Shammash and a prayer for peace led by SHAI Vice President Rebecca Sassouni.