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Jerusalem Reclamation Project to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Reunification of Jerusalem at Gala Yom Yerushalayim Dinner May 16th 2007

April 27, 2007
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact:
Sarah Cohen, LUBICOM Marketing Consulting
718-854-4450

New York, NY….A cross section of American Jewry will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem in the Six Day War at a major dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on May 16^th (Yom Yerushalayim) sponsored by the Jerusalem Reclamation Project - American Friends of Ateret Cohanim. The Jerusalem Reclamation Project is responsible for the resurgence of Jewish life in the heart of Jerusalem over the past 26 years.

This celebration dinner will honor a number of distinguished friends and partners of the Jerusalem Reclamation Project who have played a role in JRP’s historic work rebuilding Jerusalem. Guests of honor are Rubin Margules of Manhattan Beach and Jerry, Allan and Jay Wartski of Manhattan. The Rabbinic Leadership Award will be bestowed on Rabbi Dr. Elie and Estie Abadie of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue. The Bonei Yerushalayim honorees include Rabbi Dr. Sidney and Ruthie Solomon from Roslyn, New York; Rafi and Esther Katz from Los Angeles; Andrew R. and Sydney Lewis from Atlanta; David Metzman from Teaneck; and Jerry and Sora Wolasky from Baltimore.

The Jerusalem Reclamation Project (JRP) was founded in 1978 by a unique group of pioneers and scholars who dedicated themselves to restoring Jewish life to all parts of the Old City which were once home to a vibrant Jewish community. Since being reunited in the aftermath of the Six-Day War, Jews have returned to homes and institutions in Jerusalem that were once the nerve center of the Jewish world. Today, JRP purchases and restores ancient homes in the Old City which are occupied by young and idealistic yeshiva families and students who have breathed new life into the heart of Yerushalayim The area has become a must visit for tens of thousands of Jewish visitors from around the world. JRP projects strengthen Jewish life in the Old City by purchasing and renovating buildings to provide housing and student dormitories, renovating destroyed synagogues, preserving historical sites, and by supporting nurseries, playgrounds and childrens’ recreational facilities.

“Ateret Cohanim is dedicated to preserving the historic presence of Jews in the Old City against many forces that are seeking to deny us this birthright,” said Daniel Luria, Director of JRP in Israel.

“It is impossible to imagine davening (praying) at the Kotel and not having Jewish life nearby in the heart of the Old City,” said Shani Hikind, Director of Development of JRP in New York. “How can we daven at the Kotel without a strong Jewish presence throughout Jerusalem? JRP’s goal over the last 26 years has been to rejuvenate and reestablish Jewish life in Jerusalem and through our work, a strong Jewish presence has increasingly been established in the Old City, Mount of Olives, Kfar HaTeimanim and Kidmat Zion” Mrs. Hikind said.

“We have personally witnessed the enormous impact of JRP’s work on Jewish life in the Old City,” commented Baltimore residents Sora and Jerry Wolaksy who are being honored at the dinner. “By supporting the rights of Jews to live in their eternal capital, we strengthen the heart and soul of Jerusalem, Israel, and of Jews everywhere.”

Mrs. Hikind noted that attending the Yom Yerushalayim dinner on May 16^th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel or placing a dinner journal ad will play a direct role in furthering and securing Jewish life in the Old City. “If we treasure the gift Hashem gave us in 1967, we have to do everything in our power to keep Jerusalem united. This dinner will be a tremendous evening of joy and inspiration, a real celebration!” Mrs. Hikind said, “And Mati Dan, founder and chairman of JRP wants to dance with at least 1000 of his friends whom he has taken on tour of Jerusalem.

For reservations, information, or to place your dinner journal ad, please call Shani Hikind at the Jerusalem Reclamation Project office at 212-216-9270 or e-mail ateret@juno.com.