The ongoing partnership between the Federation and the Israeli Cultural Connection (ICC) of the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto exemplifies how vibrant collaboration can enrich our Bay Area Jewish and Israeli communities. Recently, we joined forces to host an event featuring the president of Israel’s Reichman University. This gathering, conducted in Hebrew, brought together students, community members, and Israeli expatriates to explore security issues, Israel’s current political landscape, and the importance of nurturing strong connections to Israel for the next generation.
An Insider’s Perspective on Israel
Professor Boaz Ganor, President of Reichman University and a renowned Israeli expert in counterterrorism and national security, was the special guest. Professor Ganor is not only a respected academic but also the founder and former head of the International Institute for Counterterrorism in Israel — a pioneering institution recognized worldwide. He also has a deeply personal connection to the Bay Area, having spent his sabbatical at Stanford University a few years ago.
Attendees at the event were eager to hear Professor Ganor’s thoughts, especially given the relevance of his expertise during such turbulent times in Israel and across the Jewish world. His insights brought a unique depth to the discussions, especially in light of recent antisemitic violence here in the United States.
An Evening of Insight
The evening gathering was held at the home of Guy and Michal Miasnik. Guy is a Federation board member, former head of the Board’s Israel Affairs Task Force that oversaw Federation’s response to October 7, and current member of the Israel Committee. The crowd of over 50 parents, students, community leaders, and Israeli-born residents, were riveted by the discussion — which mostly concerned the situation in Israel, both geopolitical issues and internal Israeli politics of Israel. “Professor Ganor was able to address both subjects from a personal perspective, not politically,” Guy told us.
This event, like many planned by the ICC, was rooted in strengthening the community’s bond with Israel and fostering a nuanced understanding of Israel’s complex realities with the help of experts. It was also an opportunity for the audience to learn more about Reichman University.
“Reichman University today actually has the biggest international presence in Israel — especially among Jewish students — and that’s a reason to let people know about it. It’s about seeing Israel through the lens of education, leadership, and community involvement,”
— Guy Miasnik, Federation Board Member
Indeed, Reichman University, established in 1994 as Israel’s first private, nonprofit university, embodies a commitment to leadership, social responsibility, and academic excellence. It has also grown into a hub for international students, offering programs in English and attracting students from around the world.
Guy remarked, “We’ve also learned over time that members of our community, the young folks who spend time in Israel, come back very much connected, and are the source of leadership for the future through that bond and that identity.”
During the event, the community’s strong Jewish spirit was palpable. “We were deeply impressed by the quality of attendance, the meaningful discussion, and the strong Zionist spirit that was felt,” Professor Ganor later related. This sense of shared purpose and commitment was evident in the lively questions and ongoing conversations that continued long after the formal session ended.
The Power of Collaboration
One of the core strengths of ICC’s partnership with the Federation lies in its ability to serve as a platform for Israeli organizations and individuals to connect with the broader community. Guy praised the partnership: “The collaboration was amazing. I take my hat off to the OFJCC — Ronit Jacobs, Zach Bodner, and Amitai Fraiman — who embraced the idea of hosting and promoting these events so enthusiastically.”
He explained that the OFJCC leaders quickly supported the initiative and worked diligently to bring the community together. Ronit Jacobs, senior director of the Israeli Cultural Connection, eloquently captured the spirit of their mission: “When we started the ICC, the idea was to create a home-away-from-home for Israelis in the South Bay. The JCC site and its forward-looking leadership offered an unbelievable opportunity to do that.” Ronit’s dedication to creating a familiar, comforting place for Israelis in the Bay Area has led to a thriving hub where community-building activities flourish.
Looking Forward
Encouraged by the positive response, Guy emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding these efforts. “The community is eager for more dialogue about Israel, especially in these complex times,” he said. “We need to keep bringing diverse voices, focusing on issues of substance, and creating spaces where people can learn, ask questions, and bond. This gathering was just one step in many ongoing efforts to deepen our understanding, support, and connection to Israel — and to each other.”
