Atlanta Players Powerful Part in Israel ParaSport Center
The power of sports, treatment, and healing were front and center on Nov. 5 to salute the Israel ParaSport Center in Ramat Gan.
On the night of Nov. 5, the theme of enabling ability rang true at the Sinclair in Sandy Springs where a spirited crowd came to learn and support the life changing programs that are blooming at the Israel ParaSport Center, where Israelis with disabilities come for for rehabilitation, community, and fun in Ramat Gan.
Glamorous multi-talented guest speaker, Montana Tucker, was all smiles as she posed for photos with guests, sang the “Hatikvah,” told of her bold stance in risking her career in defense of Israel in “today’s not so popular atmosphere,” and ended by taking questions from the audience.
Montana is a singer, songwriter, actress, and social media content creator. She is perhaps most well-known for using her millions of followers not just for entertainment, but also for education and advocacy on behalf of Israel.
Event co-chairs Dana Bernath and Nancy B. Miller opened the program. Jennifer Fink, National Executive Director of The Center, was next, followed by Ayelet Avraham, Director of Social Services for more than 25 years, and Adam Zborovsky, a community member with Cerebral Palsy, who shared their remarkable experiences at The Center. The program concluded with fellow event co-chairs, Alex Kaminsky and Eric Bernath.” The latter stunned the crowd sharing his own trauma in in which a heavy metal structure fell on his desk while working. Though his incredible rehab was done locally at the Shepherd Spinal Center, it was a personal glimpse of our universal vulnerability “out of literally nowhere” where life can change in an instant. Due to his determination and treatment, he defied 90 percent odds that he might not walk again as he stood mightily at the podium.
Two videos were shown driving home the power of mentoring and the variety of sports available at variety of sports available at The Center, from swimming to tennis, ping pong, running, and no less important, the healing of the spirit through holistic programs and counseling. Zborovsky, who joined The Center at age 6, said, “I tried about every sport from bocce ball, rugby, and table tennis. I’m most grateful to my mentor, Caroline, who ranks third in the world in table tennis.”
Much was made of Atlanta’s special relationship with The Center, including mention of one of the event’s top sponsors, Andrea and Mike Leven. Several years ago, an event in their honor raised nearly $1.5 Million towards the Atlanta Community Pool project. During the pre-event reception, supporter Vanessa Frank told the AJT, “I visited The Center and saw“I visited the center and saw how all ages and stages of clients’ needs along with their families were thriving.”
Craig Lefkoff, who also visited The Center, said, “We should be proud that Atlantans have donated so much and are big partners. The pool is labeled, “Atlanta Community Pool.” Sadly, the pool was due for a major overhaul on Oct. 8 and was put on hold (as prices doubled) until recently when a New York family added a $2 million gift. Volunteer Martha Jo Katz remarked, “The Center is the most amazing organization. It’s an honor to be a part of this event knowing that our support brings healing and happiness to so many.”
As keynote speaker, Tucker explained how she is choosing healing over fear. Inclusivity is essential, not special, at The Center as Muslims and Druze are also treated there.”
She is using her platform to tell personal stories that she has witnessed visiting Israel and befriending Nova survivors, those recovering from PTSD, and dancing with vulnerable children.
“There is justice and hope where the world wants us to forget,” noting that her own Zaydie was a Holocaust survivor.
Kaminsky told the AJT, “This evening demonstrated the remarkable power of community unity. Adam’s story touched me deeply — his unwavering determination and infectious smile left a lasting impression. Montana complemented the event beautifully with her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and ability to inspire others. Witnessing 280-plus attendees come together to raise more than $350,000 for The Center was both humbling and profoundly moving. My co-chairs and I are truly honored to be part of making this happen.”