The Council for a Beautiful Israel

NEWS 2 0 0 6-7 Newsletter SPECIAL FEATURES: The Dedication Ceremony of the Aura Herzog Center for CBI’S PRESIDENCY Environmental Studies 2007President Clinton at Gala Dinner in New York handoverGideon Patt is succeeding Mrs. Aura Herzog as CBI Chairman’s Address President of the Council for a Beautiful Israel, and will New CBI President’s Address be overseeing our international activities. Mrs. Herzog A Message from the General who has retired from CBI activities is now Honorary Manager Aura Herzog handing over President. Mr. Patt, a well-known political and public CBI Inaugurates Center in Beer Sheva the Presidency to Gideon Patt. figure, Member of Knesset for 28 years, served twice Personal Story at Kennedy Leigh as Minister of Tourism and of Commerce and Industry. Horticultural Therapy Unit After leaving government service, he was Chairman First CBI Branch in the Arab Sector of Israel Bonds in New York for 5 years, and worked CBI and the Orthodox community closely with prominent American Jewish leaders. He is inaugurate joint projects now acting special advisor to the Prime Minister. CBI deepens involvement with the Kibbutz sector We welcome Mr. Patt and thank him for volunteering for this demanding role. PRESIDENT CLINTON ADDRESSES NEW YORK GALA President William Jefferson Clinton was the keynote speaker at The American Friends’ DEDICATION prestigious Gala Dinner in New York .

More than 300 top representatives of OF THE AURA HERZOG the business community, Israel’s Ambas- CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL sador to the UN, Israel’s Consul General STUDIES in the U.S. and longtime friends of the Council attended the event at the Waldorf At a festive ceremony on September 10, CBI’s Center Astoria Hotel. Also attending were family for Environmental Studies was dedicated in the name of members and friends of CBI’s Honorary Aura Herzog upon her retirement from CBI. President, Mrs. Aura Herzog. Mr. S. Daniel From left: Avraham Katz-Oz, Abraham and Mr. Leon D. Black were the Close to 500 past and present government ministers, Aura Herzog, Gideon Patt, Gala’s honorary chairpersons. Record Eshel Segal. mayors of major cities, longtime friends and supporters high pledges were made to support the came to salute the former first lady for her lifetime Council’s ongoing and future commit- mission – The Council for a Beautiful Israel. ments. The American Friends’ President, (continued on p.4) Mrs. Sheila Kurtzer, wife of former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, was Mistress of Ceremony.

Newsletter | 1 (continued on p.4) CBI OPENS NEGEV CENTER IN BE’ER SHEVA

Second CBI Center

Minister of Educationi Yuli Tamir attended the inauguration of the friends, Council’s new Center for Environmental Studies at Beit Yatziv, the cultural Dear and educational complex in Be’er Sheva, The Center was established with D Last year was very trying for us all, in all aspects of the help of The Sacta Rashi Foundation. Study programs were adapted life. The war in Lebanon intensified the realization to include special topics suited for the southern part of Israel. The Center of how important peace in the area is. May we all witness it soon! is already frequented by many thousands of pupils, and is playing an important part in the curricula of many schools in Be’er Sheva and its Mrs. Herzog’s retirement left a big void at the periphery. Council. Fortunately, we have a new promising President, Mr. Gideon Patt, who has already made Minister Tamir told an audience of distinguished guests, including the several visits to New York and is conducting ongo- Mayor of Be’er Sheva, representatives of The Sacta Rashi Foundation ing fruitful dialogues with our American friends. We and senior educators from the Ministry of Education, of her genuine are blessed with a new dynamic General Manager, Mr. Eshel Segal, and together we have formulated enthusiasm about what she saw at the Center. a number of exciting initiatives. The new Center also opened its doors to children of the Negev, offering We are focusing this year on establishing two new them a free day of fun and study activities, focusing primarily on towns educational centers, in Jerusalem and in Carmiel. adjacent to the Gaza Strip, like Sderot. We are promoting new projects in the North and trying to add horticultural therapy units and gar- dens not only at hospitals and rehabilitation cen- ters, but also at senior citizens’ residences and kibbutzim, for the benefit of the growing number of trauma victims in the civilian population.

Fundraising campaigns for the implementation of these projects will be launched soon, primarily but not exclusively in New York. We are sure that our devoted friends will help us make these projects a reality! > Thank you all for your confidence and generous CBI Center in support. Beit Yatziv.

> Minister of Education Yuli Tamir Avraham Katz Oz speaking at the CBI Chairman of the Board inauguration of the new CBI center in Be’er Sheva, Newsletter | 2 June 2006. DEAR FRIENDS,

2006 was my first year as General Manag- ENVIRONMENT friends, er of our respected Council for a Beautiful MINISTRY Dear Israel. It was a very challenging and espe- AUTHORIZES CBI When Aura Herzog, CBI’s Honorary Presi- cially interesting year, in which we experi- dent, approached me to succeed her as enced changes in the executive manage- TO APPOINT ITS President of The Council for a Beautiful ment. The new Chairman and President Israel, I felt privileged, but hesitated to have brought new ideas and a refreshing NATIONAL step into her big shoes. I have since em- dynamic momentum. braced the opportunity of rejoining my “CLEANUP TRUSTEES” During 2007 we will lead important ven- longtime colleagues in Israel and abroad, tures in traditional environmental areas and enthusiastically share my experience AN IMPORTANT RECOGNITION and develop new activities in order to draw and expertise in two ministerilal posts OF OUR COUNCIL BY THE increased numbers of the Israeli public to over 18 years, member of the Knesset for ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY 28 years, and as Chairman of the Israel our cause – inculcating the concepts of The successful “Clean Elections” Bonds in New York. I am blessed with a beautification and aesthetics in all sectors campaign conducted by the Council in dynamic team of leaders and volunteers, of our population. who are working diligently to perpetuate cooperation with the Israel Elections Naturally, education will continue to be CBI’s achievements, gained through wise Committee and the media last year, our main focus; we believe it is the core of stewardship for the last four decades. prompted the Ministry’s decision that our existence and the most effective way CBI be authorized to appoint its special to make our influence felt. We pride our- Your “pledge of allegiance” to the CBI “Cleanup Trustees” nationwide. CBI family is especially important nowadays, selves in many achievements in this area is the only body outside the Ministry when Israel is facing the most serious and are determined to further it this year, of the Environment in that capacity. threat to her existence since the Six Day building a very strong basis for increasing Our 12 branch managers have already War. During my recent visit to New York, public awareness of our important contri- participated in a special course run by the I have personally witnessed our friends’ butions. genuine commitment. I believe in your Ministry and are fully qualified to appoint continued and deepening partnership to We plan to expand our membership both the trustees from among CBI’s devoted help us keep Israel as beautiful as God in Israel and abroad; we are collaborating volunteers to help enforce the Ministry’s entrusted it to us to hold and cherish. with the financial sector, which we expect regulations to keep public areas clean. will help us increase our fund-raising, CBI volunteers already participated in I appreciate your endorsement of our ini- alongside our overseas activities. We are several beach and forest cleanup days as tiatives. Thank you! also initiating in-depth media exposure of enforcement teams. our activities. All this will enable us imple- ment our new initiatives.

Thank you all for your continued encour- Gideon Patt agement and help. CBI President

Eshel Segal General Manager Newsletter | 3 AURA HERZOG DEDICATION CEREMONY PRESIDENT CLINTON continued from page 1 ADDRESSES NEW YORK GALA continued fromGala page 1 E

Dan Kurtzer (former U.S. Ambassador to Israel) President Clinton, Sheila Kurtzer, President of The American Friends and Zita Rosenthal, of the American Aura Herzog – CBI Honorary President. Friends and Aura Herzog.

Isaac Herzog, Minister of Tourism Aura Herzog, Shimon Peres, Deputy Prime Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres headed the list of speakers at the beautiful outdoor ceremony. He praised Mrs. Herzog for her vision and initiatives in furthering environmental education and in putting the conservation and beautification of Israel on the national agenda.

Mrs. Herzog’s son, Minister of Tourism Isaac Herzog shared with the audience personal President Clinton delivered a warm speech, praising the Council’s aspects of his mother Aura’s tireless work, contribution to the protection of the environment. NGOs like CBI, he in which the entire family takes great pride. explained, are the only bodies that can fill gaps in government resources. Mrs. Sheila Kurtzer, President of the American He paid special tribute to Mrs. Aura Herzog for her unique vision and Friends, came from New York and declared achievements, inculcating environmental awareness in youth and adults, continued commitment to the Council for a and working tirelessly for forty years to promote the conservation of Beautiful Israel’s goals. Israel’s natural treasures.

A special film was screened, and a beautiful Mrs. Herzog warmly thanked her many friends and steadfast supporters photo album was presented by the Council, in the audience. In a moving address, she also expressed her confidence tracing Mrs. Herzog’s 40 years in the in the Council’s future achievements, and the devoted support of the service of a Beautiful Israel. The event was American Friends. prominently covered by Israel TV, national radio and the print media.

Aura Herzog and S. Daniel Abraham, Gala Chairperson, Zehava Dankner, Aura Herzog and President Clinton. CBI Broad Member.

Newsletter | 4 EDUCATION NEW YOUTH STUDY PROGRAM – ISRAEL 2020 a Education A new study program has been inaugurated successfully at the Center for Environmental Studies – “Israel in the year 2020”. It covers all aspects CBI IN ACADEME of the projected quality of life in Israel in the year 2020. The program is FIRST PRIZE designed for high school students, GOES TO CBI’S STUDY and is already offered at the Council’s PROGRAM Center in Tel Aviv.

IROTOP MATRICULATION UMI COMPETITION IN STUDY PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH A GREAT SUCCESS Close to 2000 students participated in the Council’s 2006 annual Irotop (a play on the Hebrew word for competition in environmental city), the urban planning study program research, which has become of the Center for Environmental very famous among young Education, is one of the Council’s most environmentalists. Originated by the successful initiatives. Approved by Minnesota community in memory the Ministry of Education as a track of Senator Hubert Humphrey, it has for the matriculation certificate, it was since been sponsored by the United In order to carry the Council’s inaugurated four years ago with just Motors Industry of Israel, one of the educational message to those involved 31 students. This year 500 students Council’s steadfast supporters of our in higher education, senior counselors enrolled, double last year’s number. efforts to inculcate environmental from The Aura Herzog Center for More and more high school students awareness in Israeli youth. Environmental Studies presented our with an interest in the environment want study programs at the Israel National to join this unique program, but at the Geographic Society Conference at Tel moment the Council’s centers cannot NEGEV MOBILE UNIT Aviv University. accommodate all those who apply. The second mobile educational unit is A panel of Israel’s top academics In order to increase the number of operating successfully in the southern in the field of geography and the students who can enroll, CBI is preparing part of Israel. Thousands of pupils environment – the theme of the for the expansion of its in-house facilities in hundreds of schools are already conference this year – awarded the and also conducting the program in benefiting from this successful venture, annual prize to CBI for its investment in several high schools. completing the work of the unit in the informal education and its enrichment North of the country. programs for teachers and students. (continued on p.6) CHILDREN OF THE NORTH During the last war, hundreds of children from the North arrived for a day of relaxation, studies and enrichment at the Center for Environmental Studies in Tel Aviv. They came from Haifa, Nahariya, Kiryat Haim and Kiryat Motzkin, and enjoyed a much deserved day of fun and relaxation. Newsletter | 5 EDUCATION NEW HORTICULTURAL THERAPY PROJECTS

Continued from page 5

UrgentFOR MORE HORTICULTURAL Call THERAPY UNITS In view of the large number of people now suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, we are issuing an urgent call to our friends to support our efforts to create additional NEW KIT TO TEACH horticultural therapy units. The Council’s horticultural therapy projects are proving, time and PROTECTION FROM HEALTH again, how much they can change the lives of the wounded and the traumatized. These busy HAZARDS units – in hospitals, IDF rehabilitation centers and in special schools, are often overbooked Encouraged by the enthusiastic and cannot meet the ever-growing demand. responses nationwide to the Recycling Kit, the Council is now preparing a new kit on “Modes of Behavior”, with guidelines and codes of environmental behavior to protect small children. For example, it will include information on how to protect against health hazards stemming from such products as cellular telephones.

LANIADO ROOFTOP MAGEN SCHOOL, BE’ER SHEVA HORTICULTURAL THERAPY UNIT This special education school in BY BRITISH BENEFACTORS the Negev caters for children with We are grateful to our generous developmental disabilities. The school steadfast British benefactors – The encourages their participation in the Wolfson Townsley Charitable Trust Special Israel Olympics established and The Peltz Trust – who enabled by AKIM – the Israel Society for the the creation of this specally designed Handicapped. Most of the school rooftop unit at Laniado Hospital in children come from lower socio- RECYCLING KIT Netanya. economic sectors in Be’er Sheva and its FOR CHILDREN SOLD OUT periphery. The new horticultural unit is The unit is serving citizens of Netanya already improving these children’s social One of CBI’s most popular projects and its periphery, who have suffered behavior and mental well being. in recent years was the special kit several terror attacks in recent years. developed for kindergarten and first Horticultural therapy treatment is EVENTS COMMITTEE ANNUAL and second grade to give small children benefitting an increasing population THEATER EVENING an awareness of the importance of civilian trauma victims, and we are of recycling and environmentally proud to be there for them. In its well-attended annual theater responsible consumerism. All kits were evening, featuring the Beit Lessin completely sold out throughout the Theater’s production of “Rigush” by Hillel school system. Mitelpunkt, the Events Committee of the Women’s Division raised a substantial amount to help complete the Nitzanim Schoolyard in Acre. Newsletter | 6 HorticulturalTHERAPY WORKS A Personal Story by a patient at The Kennedy Leigh Horticultural Therapy Unit

Menachem, formerly a busy tour guide, agreed to an interview in order to promote the concept of horticultural therapy. He once traveled the country extensively with family and friends, but since suffering a stroke three years ago, Menachem uses a wheelchair. For over two years he was unable to indulge in any enrichment activity. Then a dramatic change took place in his life: He was introduced to the Kennedy Leigh Horticultural Therapy Unit at Chaim Sheba NEW HORTICULTURAL THERAPY Medical Center. Now he is using his vast knowledge of plants to teach others PROJECT IN ACRE who have suffered accidents, head injuries and trauma. BY THE BRITISH FRIENDS Seeing Menachem at the unit’s Plants Sale Day, enthusiastically displaying The beautiful schoolyard of the “Nitzanim” the plants that he himself cultivated, reminds us of Jean Jacques Rousseau’s Special Education School for children with call to return to Nature. Menachem says that his new responsibilities, working developmental disabilities in Acre is now with the soil and tending to the plants brings him renewed vigor and a new fully operational. The schoolyard which also meaning to his life: includes a horticultural unit was created “I am so grateful for the opportunity to coach patients and transmit my with the generous help of the British knowledge and love. My reward is to see the happiness in people’s eyes when Friends and the Council’s Women’s Events they start communicating after months, sometimes years, of abstaining from Committee. any contact. I enjoy drinking herb tea from plants we grow at the end of the day’s workshop. We are blessed with a most unique team of social workers and physical therapists, many of whom actually volunteer their time to help us. The unit holds sale days four times a year, which substantially supports the unit’s needs.” With your help, CBI WILL BE ABLE TO OPEN MORE SUCH UNITS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

Newsletter | 7 NEW COMPETITON HOTELS THE WELL TENDED CITY

COMPETITONS

At the competition, from left: From left: Eshel Segal, Avraham Katz-Oz, ComNotwithstanding the Lebanon petitionsEshel Segal, Uzi Bar’am, Gideon Patt Roni Bar On presenting the awards at the ceremony. War and its impact, participation Presenting an award to representative of Hotel Mt. Zion, Jerusalem. in the Council’s various annual Minister of the Interior Roni Bar On competitions made impressive This year, a “Beautiful Hotels in presented “The Well Tended City" a Beautiful Israel” competition awards this year. Yermi Olmert, gains – almost 25 percent. The was inaugurated by the Council in brother of PM Ehud Olmert, chaired Council’s Beauty Stars have become cooperation with the Ministry of the competition. a sought-after symbol of excellence Tourism and the SKAL Organization, an and an important tool in marketing international umbrella organization for campaigns. Exposure on TV and tourism initiatives. The new town of Har Adar near Jerusalem. radio increased substantially. Former Tourism Minister Uzi Bar'am has taken it upon himself to head this new Special thanks and appreciation to venture, in which 50 major hotels are our branch managers in the North already participating. and our thousands of devoted Tourism Minister Isaac Herzog declared volunteers, many of whose sons that the Council’s rating will be taken and daughters participated in the into account in grading hotels in Israel. Lebanon War in July. We are proud Mr. Gideon Patt, himself a former of their commitment and courage – Minister of Tourism, promised to have many more hotels participate next year, continuing their work, sometimes and include additional categories, such taking personal risks under fire. as Bed and Breakfast places.

> Kfar Sava’s City Center. Newsletter | 8 IDF ARMY CAMPS SENIOR CITIZENS RESIDENCES INDUSTRY

From left: Eshel Segal, Avraham Katz-Oz, Representative of the Bedouin village of Rahat From left: Eshel Segal, Yehudah Segev, Brig. Gen. Dan Halutz, Brig (res.) Yitzhak in the Negev receives this year’s award. General Manager of the Association of Eitan presenting the awards. At the ceremony from left: Industries, Gideon Patt, Avraham Katz-Oz. Eshel Segal, Avraham Katz-Oz, Rep. of the 350 IDF camps participated in Social Affairs Ministry, Leon Recanati who this year’s competition, despite chaired the competition. The largest audience ever attended the Lebanon War last summer. At the 2006 awards ceremony of The an exciting ceremony held at the HOSPITALS Beautiful Industry competition which Council, the former Chief of Staff, was held at the Wohl Auditorium 36 hospitals participated in this year's Brig. Gen. Dan Halutz presented near Bar Ilan University. competition. Professor Hannan Munitz the awards. This year Gadna camps Despite war damage sustained by entered the competition as well. was Chairperson. several industrial plants, a record Dan Halutz emphasized the Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot. number of companies participated importance of the collaboration this year. The Manufacturers between CBI and IDF, encouraging Association promised to encourage a new level of enviromental many more to join next year. consciousness among commanders and soldiers alike.

Netafim water systems plant.

> Lev Hasharon Hospital. BRANCHES

CBI OPENS FIRST BRANCH IN THE ARAB SECTOR

The village of Kaukab DISPLAY AT SHOHAM NEW VENTURE: Bal-Hidjaran in the north has adopted ches An impressive display of the Council’s THE ORTHODOX COMMUNITY CBI’s mission and welcomed the study programs and projects for WELCOMES CBI opportunity of joining our branches – the benefit of the environment CBI’s cleanup and beautification a first in the Arab sector. attracted much attention at a projects have now been adopted by The new branch is being coached by National Municipalities conference on the Orthodox (Haredi) community. Working with the full cooperation of the CBI Carmiel branch, and is already environmental issues which took place Municipality of Jerusalem, the Council’s enjoying full support and guidance in Shoham. project run in the Haredi neighborhood by other committed environmental of Neve Yaacov was very successful, activists in several neighboring with enthusiastic children and adults Jewish and Druze towns. alike. Encouraged by this welcome The village of Kaukab al-Hidja gesture, a three-project pilot is now is paving the way for more Arab planned for Jerusalem: The Beautiful villages to come under the umbrella Neighborhood, The Well Tended of the Council and work jointly to Building and A Neighborhood Cleanup. improve the quality of life among The pilot will later be introduced in Jews and Arabs alike. Dozens of JERUSALEM BRANCH the Orthodox cities of Bnei Brak, Beit Arab volunteers are already active Two major cleanup projects were Shemesh and Beitar Illit. in national environmental projects. launched by the Jerusalem branch: the Thanks to Kaukab al-Hidja’s Deer Valley and the Old Railway Station. committed Mayor, the village is CBI volunteers worked hand in hand already participating in the Council’s with Jerusalem School children and 13th Well Tended City national IDF soldiers, who also helped refurbish competition. some damaged elements.

MIGDAL HA’EMEK Schools beautification was the main project at Migdal Ha’emek branch. Photo shows pupils at work at the Rogozin school. Newsletter | 10 PostwarIN Projects THE NORTH

GEARING UP FOR DAMAGED PROJECTS IN THE NORTH In the summer of 2006, following the second Lebanon war, the Council faced the goal of erasing war damage to the environment. Our main focus is the North – rehabilitation of existing CBI projects and focusing on new projects. Plans are underway, enjoying the full cooperation of local municipalities. HAIFA BRANCH CBI Haifa branch manager and volunteers replanting a kindergarten yard ruined during the recent Lebanon War.

NETANYA BRANCH An American tourist enabled the completion of a wall painting project in the city.

Netanya CBI Branch Manager at work.

ExhibitCBIAT BANK HAPOALIM CBI participated in a national exhibition of non-profit organizations under the auspices of Bank Hapoalim, presenting our study programs and special projects in a vivid demonstration of the Council's activities.

Newsletter | 11 At the ceremony.

From left: architect Daphna Greenstein,

Aura Herzog, David Azrieli,

Avraham Katz-Oz and architect

Dr. Gil Har-Gil.

AzrieliTHE 2006 AZRIELI Prize PRIZE FOR URBAN PLANNING

THE 2006 DAVID AZRIELI PRIZE FOR URBAN PLANNING WAS AWARDED TO ARCHITECTS DR. GIL HAR-GIL AND DAPHNA GREENSTEIN FOR THEIR PROJECT, THE GERMAN COLONY, IN HAIFA.

The architects’ ingenuity and sensitive approach has resulted in the special preserved look of the Templer homes, while incorporating modern urban aesthetic and practical elements. The boulevard, stretching from the exquisite Bahai Gardens toward Haifa Port The Council for has since become a bustling promenade and one of Haifa’s preferred leisure a Beautiful Israel areas, housing beautiful cafes and restaurants. The prestigious panel of judges was chaired by Professor Aryeh Shahar, who CBI Israel Headquarters Hayarkon Park sadly passed away several days after the ceremony. 80 Rokach Boulevard POB 53325, Tel Aviv 61532 The award was presented by Mr. David Azrieli, who donates this yearly award. Tel: 972-3-6420416/6423111 Peter Cook was guest speaker – a distinguished Professor of architecture, Fax: 972-3-643-8554/6422839 and founder of the Broadsheet Archigram for new ideas, out of which came much Email: [email protected] of the so-called “high-tech” thinking. The audience of Israel’s distinguished UK: architects heard Profesor Cook explain and illustrate projects based on his British Friends concept “Rediscovering the Living City.” c/o Berwin Leighton Paisner Adelaide House London Bridge, London EC4R 9HA Attention: Mr. Martin M. Paisner, CBE KIBBUTZ SECTOR Tel: 44-207-070 5679 (Sheila Seabrook) DEEPENS COOPERATION WITH CBI Fax: 44-207-861 0940 Encouraged by the Kibbutz Industrial Association, 60 kibbutzim are now partici- Tax Exempt. no. 266408 pating in CBI’s various national competitions, thereby strengthening the Council’s USA: beautification initiatives. The kibbutz sector will now take part in competitions for American-Israel the Well Tended City, Beautiful Industry, Beautiful Hotel and Senior Citizens Resi- Environmental Council The Council for a Beautiful Israel dences. We expect many more kibbutzim to follow suit next year. c/o Linda Lese 136 East 57th Street, Suite 1205 New York, NY 10022 Tel: 1-212-935-1840 Fax: 1-212-421-1530 Tax Exempt. Federal ID no. 23-7379946