Over 300 Long Islanders united in solidarity with the people of Israel at the historic Oheka Castle in Huntington on April 30 for Jewish National Fund-USA’s annual Water & Wine Gala. The upscale, elegant event honored local philanthropists and highlighted how the organization is spearheading Israel’s rebuilding efforts in the North and South after the October 7 terrorist attacks.
Use of the iconic Oheka Castle, featured in multiple well-known films and television shows, was donated by owner Gary Melius in an incredible show of solidarity with the Jewish people and the people of Israel. For Melius, it was not a difficult decision.
“I am donating the castle because what happened to Israel was so incredibly evil,” said Melius, who also donated the space for last year’s gala. “To harm innocent people the way Hamas did, with such brutality, is beyond wicked. I had to step in, try to help, and make it clear where I stand.”
Chaired by Randi Pergament and Bruce Pergament, the gala honored a host of dedicated philanthropists: Ilene Herz, Jerry Herz and Amy Dorf. The Herzes have been involved with Jewish National Fund-USA for over 20 years, with Jerry being a longtime Long Island board member, and are particularly invested in the organization’s Housing Development Fund, which facilitates the movement of population to the Negev and Galilee by creating affordable, high-quality housing opportunities.
Dorf, also a longtime supporter of the organization, recently attended one of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Volunteer in Israel Missions, where she personally helped rehabilitate communities affected by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks while witnessing firsthand the strength and resilience of the Israeli people.
“I will never forget visiting the communities devastated by terrorism, lending a hand to a farmer desperate for workers, and hand-painting community centers all alongside my mom,” said Dorf. “We could have gone to Israel with any organization, but we knew Jewish National Fund-USA has the deepest roots with the local communities and the biggest impact.”
The event’s keynote speaker was Shahar Azani. Azani serves as Founder and Principal at Fourth Dimension Strategies and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Jet Support Services. He previously served as Senior Vice President at Jewish Broadcasting Service and was a diplomat with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over 15 years, where he held the positions of Consul for Media Affairs and Spokesperson at the Consulate General of Israel in New York. Azani discussed how Israel is portrayed in the media, blasting Jew-hatred while crediting Jewish National Fund-USA for the difference many of its projects and initiatives, from research and development to Zionist education, have supported the land and people of Israel.
The gala took place during the transition from Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, to Yom Ha’azmaut, the country’s Independence Day. To commemorate the occasion, attendees took a moment to remember Captain Omer Neutra, a Long Island native and lone soldier who was killed on October 7. Long Island philanthropists recently united to honor Neutra by funding a plaque for him on the Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill, the site of one of the fiercest battles in the 1967 Six-Day War. Supported by Jewish National Fund-USA, Ammunition Hill’s Wall of Honor serves as a tribute to the heroism and courage of Jewish soldiers who, throughout our history, have fought in defense of the countries in which they lived.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events on Long Island, visit jnf.org or contact Ashley Emrani at aemrani@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x501.
