Over 150 happy guests joined together at a special ceremony to honor and proudly celebrate the well-deserving winners of the 10th Annual Community Safety & Service Award. Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Bruce and Lois Kauffman, in memory of Phillip Kauffman, a”h, and Morris & Rosalie Zwagil, a”h, the award ceremony highlighted Baltimore’s invaluable chesed and safety superstars. This year, winners were also nominated in two special categories; the Yesodei Yisroel Award for people who went above and beyond in their support of Israel, and the Gibor Milchama Award which was for IDF soldiers who defend and protect Am Yisroel.
Youth winners ranged from sisters Tsippi and Dani Brookmyer and Shani Kopel, who ran a bake sale and donated the funds to support Israeli soldiers, to Moshe Golfeyz who stopped his very young neighbor from running into the street. Another young winner, Tziporah Simanowitz rescued her younger brother when he was drowning in the deep end of a pool.
Since some winners of the Gibor Milchama Award are currently in Israel serving in the IDF, their families represented them while the awardees were able to watch a livestream of the event. Originally from Baltimore, Staff Sergeant Arky Staiman, who went viral for his inspirational videos since October 7th, was honored, as well as other brave and inspirational soldiers – First Sergeant Yoseph Prigal, Master Sergeant Didi Rand, Sergeant Yoni Rose, Sergeant Elya Rothstein, and Master Sergeant Gabriel Yair Shabtai. Captain Eyal Twito, h”yd, who spent his gap year as a beloved Shinshin at Ohr Chadash Academy, and who risked and tragically lost his life in the war, was also honored. “When I called Eyal’s mother to let her know about the posthumous award, it made all the difference. She was so touched knowing how much people cared, even here in the US, helping her family heal from this huge loss. A plaque was also provided to Ohr Chadash so students can remember him and in this way, his sacrifice won’t be forgotten,” said The Chesed Fund and Project Ezra’s Director, Frank Storch.
Adult winners also included one of Baltimore’s chesed “power-couples,” Drs. Gerald and Suzanne Insel. As our community’s beloved leading cardiologist and Torah Institute’s General Studies Director, respectively, they were recognized for their exceptional commitment to their patients and students. Mrs. Tamar Schulman, a remarkable two-time organ donor and the dedicated director of Kehal Chasidim, was recognized as well. Another well-deserved Yesodei Yisroel award went to Mrs. Esti Taragin, who paused her life as a busy mother and as Sinai Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Manager. She traveled to Israel twice since October 7th volunteering to show solidarity and support by using her physical therapy experience to aid Israelis suffering from the war’s impact.
“The award ceremony today was a beautiful event and I am so honored to have been a part of it. How uplifting to see the many faces of chesed our people have!” said award winner Judy Landman. Together with Michele Anflick, the song “Mission to Live” was composed to uplift and thank soldiers and bring achdus to am yisroel during these challenging times. It can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Ei4adE4NE2A
To learn more about the many and mostly free and essential programs and literature provided by The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra provide, visit chesedfund.com.
Photo Credits: Baruch Bitman
