By Rabbi Rob Toren, Grants Director, Samis Foundation, Seattle
We are very appreciative of JTNews? coverage of Samis? first decade of philanthropy (?Samis celebrates 10 years of giving,? April 28). We take great pride in supporting our community?s day schools, but our funding is broader than suggested in Manny Frishberg?s article. Following Sam Israel?s wishes, Samis supports a variety of Jewish learning opportunities, including overnight camping and educational trips to Israel. Samis has been a consistent supporter of Camp Solomon Schechter and Sephardic Adventure Camp. With the Jewish Education Council, Samis developed a streamlined scholarship process for families seeking financial aid. Additionally, Samis is a major contributor to this camp scholarship fund.
Sam Israel was an ardent supporter of Israel, and Samis supports many fine organizations there in the areas of archaeology, wildlife preservation, immigrant absorption, and the vulnerable poor. Of particular note are Samis contributions to the Association of American and Canadians in Israel to create a Job-Net for those making aliyah. Samis funded Professor Ehud Netzer?s six-volume, award-winning series on archaeological digs at Herodium and Jericho. In partnership with the Sacta-Rashi Foundation in France, Samis funded the building of a state-of-the-art facility for abused women in Beer Sheva. Finally, Samis has numerous partners in funding the International Center for the Study of Bird Migration at Latrun.
Samis will continue to be a significant financial contributor in these diverse areas of need, both here in Washington State and in Israel. We are deeply in debt to our many partners that include the institutions that do the work which we support and to these institutions? supporters. Together, with God?s help, we hope to continue to invest in Jewish lives and build Jewish communities, honoring the legacy and trust Sam Israel bequeathed to us.
Rabbi Rob Toren
Grants Director, Samis Foundation
Seattle