NA'AMAT USA's San Fernando Valley Council to Host Community Leader Award Luncheon

October 15, 2015 - LOS ANGELES - The San Fernando Valley Council of NA'AMAT USA will host its 2015 Distinguished Community Leader Award Luncheon on Sunday, October 25th at American Jewish University in Los Angeles. This year's event holds special significance as it will serve as the kick off of a year-long, national celebration marking NA'AMAT USA's 90th Anniversary. Other celebratory, fundraising, membership outreach and community service activities will be conducted throughout the year by NA'AMAT Chapters nationwide.

The 2015 Distinguished Community Leader Award Luncheon will honor three inspiring individuals who have made lasting contributions to Jewish communities in the United States and Israel. "Rabbi Bender and Phil and Kathy Blazer have done remarkable work that has benefitted not only the Jewish community but society as a whole," said NA'AMAT San Fernando Council President Rene Peters. "We are very pleased to recognize their farsighted achievements."

Rabbi Karen Bender is the Skirball Director of Spiritual Life and Campus Rabbi at the Los Angeles Jewish Home. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, she was ordained in 1994 and served as a Rabbi in New York for 7 years and Rabbi of Temple Judea in Tarzana for 13 years. She has published numerous sermons, poems and prayers and has been widely active in social justice causes, including racial equality, interreligious dialogue, LGBT rights and women's rights.

Phil and Kathy Blazer have been active as professionals, activists and philanthropists in the Jewish community for more than five decades. Phil is president of Blazer Communications, publisher of The National Jewish News, and creator of award-winning Jewish television and radio programs. In 2005, he launched Jewish Life Television, the only 24/7 Jewish-themed television network with a reach of 45 million households across the United States and Canada.

Kathy Blazer is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Sciences, Associate Director of the Cancer Genetics Program, and a bilingual, licensed genetic counselor with the Division of Clinical Cancer Genetics at City of Hope.

Rabbi Bender said she was humbled to be recognized by NA'AMAT. "I love Israel and I love an organization that is dedicated to Israel and Jewish values," she observed. "NA'AMAT is doing wonderful work for women, children and families in Israel. Their mission is flawless." Kathy Blazer said that she and her husband were similarly honored. "NA'AMAT reminds us, in the simplest terms, the meaning of community…community with Israel and community with families across America."

The gala event will also include other featured speakers and special musical entertainment. Writer and entertainer Art Verity will serve as master of ceremonies.Proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a new National Project honoring NA'AMAT USA's 90th Anniversary: the construction of a new Women's Health Center in Sderot, Israel. The Center will promote preventative measures for female health issues, and offer ob-gyn exams and prenatal care. It will also provide educational programs for family planning, eating disorders and healthy nutrition, as well as counseling and support groups for cancer patients and their families. "Women in the community of Sderot do not have access to many social and health services that we take for granted," said Peters. "The new center will provide much needed health services for women and families, social and mental health counseling, educational support and much more."

Founded in 1925 (as Pioneer Women), NA'AMAT USA takes its name from the Hebrew acronym for "A Movement of Working Women and Volunteers." The organization strives to enhance the quality of life for women, children and families in Israel. Part of a worldwide progressive Jewish women's organization, NA'AMAT USA works alongside Na 'Amat Israel in providing education and social services including day care facilities, vocational training, college scholarships, legal aid, immigration assistance, and domestic violence support. It is also a vigorous advocate for women's rights in Israel and worldwide.

WHAT: NA'AMAT USA, San Fernando Valley Council 2015 Distinguished Community Leader Award Luncheon, NA'AMAT USA's 90th Anniversary Celebration
HONORING: Rabbi Karen Bender, Phil and Kathy Blazer
WHEN: Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: American Jewish University, 15600 Mullholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90077
RSVP: (818) 995-4035, sfvcnaamat@sbcglobal.net
Strict Dietary Laws Observed

About NA'AMAT USA
NA'AMAT USA is an organization striving to enhance the quality of life for women, children and families in Israel. Originally named Pioneer Women, it was founded as a sister movement to NA'AMAT Israel. NA'AMAT women act locally, nationally and globally in 9 countries. The organization is actively engaged in a wide range of issues, including religious pluralism, the status of women at home and in the workplace and the prevention of domestic violence.
"A VOICE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN - A VOICE FOR ISRAEL"
www.naamat.org