ahh, a lovely and exhilarating day!
let's start from the finale, which really seemed to click with us. i am invited to attend a two day conference in the city for 'our' organization JDC (joint distribution committee). i am a guest of the board, and the symposiums are attended by about 200 people, intellects all beyond my own capabilities. at the end of the day, i have a lengthy discussion with hala moddelmog, the CEO of susan g. komen for the cure. i have the opportunity to have an intimate chat about optimism, hope, saline vs. gel, and new screening for women in tanzania and ghana. amazing!!! and a highlight - i share jane's story with this fascinating woman, who will be speaking tomorrow morning bright and early!
the event is held at the helmsley hotel on 42nd street. there is a large post-breakfast gathering, and anne heyman, the founder of our rwanda project, is on the panel. in addition to speaking about the efforts in rwamagana, she lauds my contribution to ASYV, very kind and encouraging. we are fortunate enough to have natalie portman, the movie starlet, traveling with a mission in a few weeks to kigali, where she will plant acacia trees at the entry to the site - amazing! additionally, manlio from JDC rome is there - my peer and confidant who is also working on our project and who works closely with the on-the-ground team in ethiopia. he asks me if i will give an architecture lecture in addis ababa in the fall to students who are recipients of grants for higher education ... YES!
jane, too, is appreciated - a number of people inform me how amazing and inspirational she is, both in her breast cancer 'battle' as well as for her contribution to the rwanda effort - she is assisting with AIDS prevention and teenage mental and physical wellness programs. we are so fortunate to have found this amazing organization, where we feel as if we are contributing to a real and tangible system which preserves jewish life, cultural identity, and also is vital for it's non-sectarian work.
i participate in break out groups discussing how best to assist far-flung jewish communities in the former soviet union. we talk about nutrition for impoverished israeli children and senior citizens. the day flies, totally fascinating. at the end of day cocktail and light dinner get together, we are addressed by the jerusalem post editor in chief, david horovitz. he is compelling, funny, and intense simultaneously. i meet hadassah lieberman, the partner of former vice-presidential candidate joe lieberman. i mingle with many at JDC who i have come to respect and admire for their commitment and dedication.
the sun shines, it's warm at last, and we end the day with thick slices of red velvet cake - mmmm!
let's start from the finale, which really seemed to click with us. i am invited to attend a two day conference in the city for 'our' organization JDC (joint distribution committee). i am a guest of the board, and the symposiums are attended by about 200 people, intellects all beyond my own capabilities. at the end of the day, i have a lengthy discussion with hala moddelmog, the CEO of susan g. komen for the cure. i have the opportunity to have an intimate chat about optimism, hope, saline vs. gel, and new screening for women in tanzania and ghana. amazing!!! and a highlight - i share jane's story with this fascinating woman, who will be speaking tomorrow morning bright and early!
the event is held at the helmsley hotel on 42nd street. there is a large post-breakfast gathering, and anne heyman, the founder of our rwanda project, is on the panel. in addition to speaking about the efforts in rwamagana, she lauds my contribution to ASYV, very kind and encouraging. we are fortunate enough to have natalie portman, the movie starlet, traveling with a mission in a few weeks to kigali, where she will plant acacia trees at the entry to the site - amazing! additionally, manlio from JDC rome is there - my peer and confidant who is also working on our project and who works closely with the on-the-ground team in ethiopia. he asks me if i will give an architecture lecture in addis ababa in the fall to students who are recipients of grants for higher education ... YES!
jane, too, is appreciated - a number of people inform me how amazing and inspirational she is, both in her breast cancer 'battle' as well as for her contribution to the rwanda effort - she is assisting with AIDS prevention and teenage mental and physical wellness programs. we are so fortunate to have found this amazing organization, where we feel as if we are contributing to a real and tangible system which preserves jewish life, cultural identity, and also is vital for it's non-sectarian work.
i participate in break out groups discussing how best to assist far-flung jewish communities in the former soviet union. we talk about nutrition for impoverished israeli children and senior citizens. the day flies, totally fascinating. at the end of day cocktail and light dinner get together, we are addressed by the jerusalem post editor in chief, david horovitz. he is compelling, funny, and intense simultaneously. i meet hadassah lieberman, the partner of former vice-presidential candidate joe lieberman. i mingle with many at JDC who i have come to respect and admire for their commitment and dedication.
the sun shines, it's warm at last, and we end the day with thick slices of red velvet cake - mmmm!
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