Gala raises over $100,000 for park
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MYRON UNRAU PHOTOGRAPHER
It was a who's who in the Jewish community that turned out to salute Jerusalem 3000 at the annual Jewish National Fund Negev Dinner.
But witliout question, the man of the hour was Israeli Broadway star Dudu Fisher who had the sell-out crowd of350 clapping and singing along.
Held in the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom March 31, the black tie event saluted botli Israel's capital, Jemsalem, and the work of JNF. More than $100,000 was raised from the gala, with funds directed to the JNF KKL Park Jerusalem 3000 as well as a children's garden located within the park.
The dinner's many guests included the mayors of Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey and North Vancouver, Israeli consul general Jehudi Kinar and JNF national president Sid Halpem. Keynote speaker Moshe Rivlin, JNF world chairman, recounted the liistory of Israel's formation and the role of Jenisalem as "the place where dreams and realities come together." HLs emotional speech drew a standing ovation.
Presentation of medals were awarded to two localites: Normem Gold, JNF immediate past pres-
Keynote speaker Moshe Rivlin (left), JNF word chairman, recounted Israel's history. Local JNF emissary Izchak Fuchs also addressed the assembled guests and dignitaries.
ident, received the President's Medal while Gary Averbach, JNF board member, was presented with the Bernard M. Bloomfield Medal for his years of service.
Additional accolades were offered to many in the crowd including local JNF president Ruth Freeman, emcee Mel Sprackman, honorary chair Jack Diamond, JNF Jerusalem emissary Brig.-Gen Itzchak Fuchs, convener Shirley Schwartz and JNF executive secretary Maisie Myerthall.
'When the lights dimmed, the spotlight shone on Mr. Fisher, who performed a selection of tunes in Yiddish, Hebrew and English during a 45-minute set. Among the show's highlights were "Memories" from the musical Cats and a Yiddish mock tune titled "Shvigaro", based on the opera, The Barber of Seville. Mr. Fisher — who teased the crowd with the fact that his first name (pronounced "doo doo") has a negative connotation in North America — ended his act with a teary performance fixmi Les Mlserables. Jumping to their feet, the crowd called for more, obliging Mr. Fisher to return for an encore before he closed with Hatikvah, Israel's national anthem. I I
- Ariela Friedmann