Education, to Secure World’s Future

Nurit Greenger

My late mother used to say: “Education is the only asset you have that cannot be taken away from you.” Since, like all kids, all I wanted was to play, rather than learn, this saying she repeated often was an irritant to me. Later on in life I understood her wisdom.

This week, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, emceed by humorous David Suissa, the Jewish Journal President, the Magbit Foundation held its 25^th Gala, celebrating Israel’s 66^th Years of Independence, in which they honored Rabbi David Wolpe, of Sinai Temple, with the Humanitarian Award for his scholarly work worldwide.

Gina Rofeem, the Executive Director organized an elegant evening packed with great entertainment and thoughtful speeches. The anthems were sung by Dr. Nina Bolour [United States] and Cantor Marcus Feldman [Israel]. There was the fabulous Rat Pack - Allen G band, a dance performance by Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble and appearance by vocalist Shany Zamir. Speeches were delivered by Magbit President, Dr. Behrooz Broukhum, Israel consul general Mr. David Segal, former Beverly Hills mayor and Gala Chair, Jimmy Delshad, Sinai Temple President, Joel Weinstein and Rabbi David Wolpe, who thanked the audience in an inspirational speech.

The general theme along which the Magbit operates is Love Thy Neighbor. The Magbit is about Jews loving Jews and others; Jews stepping up to help other people, which is the story of the Jewish people. Stepping up with love the Magbit helps young man and women to receive education. Education is the chosen people’s preparing of the future generation for the task of life, creating future leaders, professionals and scientists. Education can end human hunger and can cure – Israel nonstop innovative spirit is a good example - and even can help preventing conflicts. Through the Magbit Foundation (http://www.magbit.org/), many of its members are Jews born in Iran, long term solutions, philanthropy and generosity all these goals and more can be accomplished. It is about teaching people to better themselves and that is the highest form of charity.

L-Honoree Rabbi David Wolpe, Benjamin Nazarian, Magbit President Dr. B Broukhim, Board Chairman Shaw Shahery, Gala Chair Jimmy Delshad; sitting Parviz Nazarian, presenter, founder & chairman of endowment-photo Orly Halevy

The Magbit Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, was established in 1990 to promote education for students seeking to complete their University studies. To accomplish this worthwhile goal, Magbit established an innovative “Interest-Free Loan” program for needy and qualified students. The loan recipients repay the loans when they are financially able to do so. The loan repayments go directly to the student’s university so that future generations of students may also benefit from these funds. Among the schools the Magbit provided interest-free loans and/or scholarships are the University of Southern California, University of California Los Angeles, University of Texas at Austin, California State University Northridge, Bar-Ilan University, Jerusalem College of Technology and Haifa University.

But the Magbit extends its hands beyond its main objectives. In 2001, when the intifada was rampant in Israel, the Magbit and the members of Sinai temple collaborated and raised $3 million dollars for people in need in Israel. At the end of the charity drive representatives flew to Israel to promptly distribute the funds.

After attending the Magbit evening, the wisdom of my small frame, fragile, yet strong mother became even clearer to me and apparently it is well known to the Magbit Foundation.

The philanthropic Nazarian Family-Photo Orly Halevy