Nonprofits Have Online Options
The Jewish Exponent did a great service highlighting how nonprofit organizations have dealt with COVID-19 (“Numerous Gala Plans Altered by Pandemic,” April 23).
At American Friends of Kaplan Medical Center, we appreciate this critical role of sharing insights.
Our first national gala, which was to honor “Women of Valor” Jewish executives Vered Nohi and Linda Richman — and in which acclaimed Jewish songstress Neshama Carlebach was to perform on March 23 — was postponed for a second time. The initial Dec. 2 date was halted due to the threat of the season’s first blizzard. Who could have predicted a world pandemic to strike on the reset date?
While we have been in touch with Carlebach to consider future dates for a live in-person concert, we also used creativity in a timely replacement event for our gala.
As one function of these Jewish events is to educate the community about Israel, many organizations are holding Zoom conferences highlighting their experts in Israel dealing with the coronavirus.
“AFKMC worked with local professionals to reach other national and Israeli offices. On April 6, four Israeli experts from Magen David Adom, Hadassah, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Rambam Hospital gave a comprehensive analysis from their multiple organizational perspectives on the Israeli response to the coronavirus, with Israel Nitzan, the New York Deputy Consul General, sharing how Israeli “best practices” are informing U.S. government and public health officials.”
In this “paradigm shift,” organizations are finding new ways to inform and engage the community. Through Zoom, we also have a permanent record of new knowledge gathered.
Lou Balcher | National Director, American Friends of Kaplan Medical Center
