Breakfast to feature Israeli spokesperson
Jewish National Fund will host their annual Breakfast for Israel on Wednesday, Sept. 10 in Whitefish Bay, featuring Tal Heinrich, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
Heinrich became a key voice for Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, leading daily briefings and giving hundreds of interviews during the war, according to a June 2025 news release. A journalist and multilingual speaker, she has worked for Channel 14, Trinity Broadcasting Network, i24NEWS, and CNN International.
Event co-chair Mara Kleiman noted Heinrich’s frontline role in global media and expects her to share vital insights on Israel’s current security and diplomatic challenges.
The event will also highlight Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Build Together” and “Reimagine” plans to support communities near the Gazan and Lebanese borders. “This is our time to act,” said event co-chair Matthew Kleiman, emphasizing the event’s focus on investing in hope and rebuilding Israel’s future.
Joan Lubar co-chairs 2025 General Assembly
Joan Lubar serves as co-chair of the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America, held in Washington, D.C. from Nov. 16-18.
Lubar is a long-time leader in Jewish and civic life, chairing JFNA’s Jewish Belonging Committee and serving on the Israel Emergency Fund Allocations Committee. She is an immediate past board chair of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Lubar is active on several nonprofit and cultural boards, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and the Lubar Family Foundation.
Moffic authors pamphlet on antisemitism
Wisconsin-based Dr. H. Steven Moffic has authored a new pamphlet: “Antisemitism: How to Respond,” as part of Behrman House’s Tree of Life series. This pamphlet was commissioned by Rabbi Debbie Cohen following the release of Moffic’s edited volume “Antisemitism and Psychiatry” in 2020.
The pamphlet is designed to help individuals and Jewish institutions address the psychological and communal impact of antisemitism. It explores what antisemitism is, its effects, and offers guidance on responding, speaking out, reporting hate, and building resilience.
The pamphlet is available through the Behrman House website in packets of 10 for $14.95. Institutions can set them out for attendees or display them in public places.
Moffic is an award-winning psychiatrist, serving on the editorial board of Psychiatric Times.
President Herzog at pride parade
President Isaac Herzog made history on June 5 by becoming the first Israeli president to attend the Jerusalem Pride Parade, according to a June 2025 news release.
Marking ten years since the murder of 15-year-old Shira Banki at the 2015 parade, Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog visited the site of her killing with her parents, Mika and Uri Banki.
At the memorial, Herzog praised Shira’s legacy and her family’s efforts to promote tolerance. He condemned violence in Israeli society, stating: “We are not willing to accept violence…We demand love, respect, and equality—also for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The president encouraged compassion from all Israelis, while referencing the national trauma of Israeli hostages in Gaza: “We are all meant to live together—and that is our mission. And maybe that is also the message of dear Shira.”
Birthright Israel evacuates 1,500 to Cyprus
Taglit-Birthright Israel evacuated 1,500 participants from Ashdod to Cyprus on June 17, aboard the Crown Iris, a cruise ship escorted by the Israeli Navy. The move came during the conflict between Israel and Iran.
The evacuees, mainly U.S. young adults nearing the end of their 10-day trip, were expected to be flown home from Cyprus. Taglit-Birthright Israel is covering all transportation costs.
CEO Gidi Mark led operations on the ground and welcomed participants at Larnaca Port. “This was a complex and emotional operation…we are proud to have brought 1,500 young adults safely to Cyprus,” he said.
Four Florida-chartered flights were scheduled to take all U.S. participants to Tampa. Travel for others and future evacuations was being coordinated.
Israel breaks defense export record
Israel defense exports reached an all-time high last year.
In 2024, Israel set a defense export record for the fourth consecutive year, reaching over $14.7 billion—a 13% rise from 2023, according to a Ministry of Defense news release.
Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, the defense sector has mobilized for the war effort and exports with “round-the-clock” Israeli Defense Force production, according to the June 2025 news release. Defense Minister Israel Katz attributed the export growth to “the successes of the IDF and defense industries” during a “difficult and complex year of war.”
Over half the deals exceeded $100 million, with 54% signed by European countries. Missiles, rockets, and air defense systems accounted for 48% of total defense exports, up from 36% in 2023.
Maj. Gen. Amir Baram said the record “reflects… growing global appreciation” for Israeli defense technology, and he emphasized the need to expand production to meet demand. Brig. Gen. Yair Kulas noted that Israel’s innovative defense sector and export volume “reinforces Israel’s position as a leading defense-technology powerhouse.”
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