Bronfman Receives ADL Torch of Liberty Award

Matthew Bronfman, principal and CEO of Jamestown Properties, was honored at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Torch of Liberty Award Dinner at Colony Square’s Politan Row, appropriately so, as one of the company’s “home turf” examples of forming desirable community spaces. On Thursday, Sept. 18, the restaurants in Politan Row “runneth over” with fare like pizza, mac and cheese, Indian samosas, and sushi, for starters, with a central open bar.

During the pre-function hour, close friends and family mingled with Bronfman’s family and inner circle, many of whom were featured later in a video shown in the more formal program. Fans were led from the food areas to a large white tent in center court where Bronfman was celebrated.

Mom Vicki Bronfman recalled that, as a child Matt wanted to go to services with his Bubbie. “He listened. We thought he was going to be a rabbi.”

Sister Shana Sinko recalled that he was a protective older brother and always had an opinion. Son, Micah, said that his dad gave advice by “breaking down risk scenarios and best options,”

Son, Sam, added, “He uplifted thousands of lives.”

Daughter, Kyra, said her father taught her the importance of details, attentiveness, and caring.

Holocaust survivor Ben Walker, Matt’s father-in-law, conveyed that Matt represents “rivers of goodness with his daily acts of kindness.”

The ceremony began with event co-chair Dara Grant welcoming the crowd. Next up was ADL Southeast Regional Board Chair Lauren Estrin who began, “This is a scary time to send our kids to school as a Jewish mother” concerned about collective safety and antisemitic comments.

A particularly elucidating part of the program was a fireside chat “Why ADL? Why Now?” with George Selim, executive VP and chief engagement officer for ADL, and Jessie Rosenberg, senior VP of development and marketing, who explained the important work ADL is doing on college campuses at the forefront for confronting antisemitism.

Rosenberg explained the ADL’s “report card,” which is publicly available outlining which colleges are doing a good job. Vanderbilt University, whose president was soon to receive an award for his efforts, was mentioned as a top scoring “A” school. The University of Georgia (mostly peaceful with no encampments) was also among the top.

Rosenberg said, “The important part is that colleges want to improve, and we are available to help them raise their ranking. The ADL is also planting seeds in colleges across the Gulf and Israel to find ways to work together in the wake of the Abraham Accords as a legacy project.”

Event co-chair and president of Central Atlanta progress, AJ Robinson, introduced Bronfman. He began by recognizing Bronfman’s ability to create vibrant communities like Ponce City Market and Colony Square.

“I’ve had a front row seat into Matt’s wisdom, and relentless commitment during this critical time … and why the Torch of Liberty Award is so attached to Bronfman’s leadership.”

Ever convivial, Bronfman began by saying he didn’t have a fancy bar mitzvah, and this event felt a little like a second bar mitzvah with wonderful testimonials.

“At my first bar mitzvah, I was awkward with braces. Now I’m awkward and balding and look forward to doing the ‘Hora’ and the ‘Electric Slide’ dance with my mother.”

He recognized his wife, Ronit, for being super cute and helping him question his assumptions and re-think important concepts. He reinforced that the theme for Jamestown is to create special places as community hubs where people like to congregate.

“My ‘day job’ and hobbies are the same in that I try to build community. But since … Oct. 7, my focus has changed, and I am more aware of people trying to attack the communities I try to build. That is where ADL is so valuable given its focus on those trying to attack our communities.”

During the pre-function hour, real estate mogul Norman Radoff exclaimed, “Matt is fearless, innovative and an inspiring leader in our industry.”

Arnie Silverman told the AJT that he supported Bronfman along with Mike Philips in their vision for the extremely successful Ponce City Market. Buckhead Coalition president Jonathan Rodbell exclaimed, “No one in real estate does it like Matt Bronfman!”

Terri Bonoff summed it up, “When Matt was Federation Chair, I came to appreciate his contagious enthusiasm powered by his visionary leadership – an unusual combination.”