ISIME Celebrates
Partners for Peace Dinner
Watch the Partners for Peace Dinner Video
According to hundreds of people at the ISIME Partners for Peace Dinner, a great deal of goodwill and hope filled the hearts of guests who were inspired to become partners of ISIME in pursuing peace for Israel in the Middle East.
ISIME is the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East in the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Board Members and Co-Chairs for the evening, Gerald and Lorna Gray and Bob and Robyn Loup greeted the audience, thanking ISIME partners for supporting the Institute’s programs and goals including expansion plans for the University of Colorado and other campuses throughout the country.
The evening sparkled with the extra touches provided by Charlene Engleberg, the evening’s event planner. Guests were treated to inspiring video and a live performance by a multicultural Rocky Mountain Children’s Choir whose young voices and faces lit the room, bringing tears to many who heard them sing Hebrew and American songs about peace.
Executive Director Shaul Gabbay’s presentation was filled with heartfelt thanks to supporters, especially the Chairman of the Board, Bob Loup who he described as “our mentor, our backbone, our inspiration, and a pillar of our community…”
ISIME Israel Director, Shaul Amir expressed his enthusiasm for the work being done in Israel including the planning of an International conference for University Leaders from throughout the Middle East.
The gala event concluded with a special tribute to Shmulik Rifman, Mayor of Ramat, Negev for his exemplary leadership and contributions to peace for Israel in the Middle East. He was awarded the “2007 ISIME Partner For Peace Award” in front of a crowd of admirers. Many people in the audience, including students, knew the Mayor personally having experienced his warm hospitality in the Negev. Shmulik’s wife, daughter, son, and infant granddaughter attended, enjoying the limelight of their dear father, grandfather, and husband.
Mayor Rifman spoke in Hebrew, expressing his gratitude to the Denver Community. “I stand here before you this evening, moved to the depths of my heart by the great privilege and good fortune I have received. Thank you for the honor you've bestowed on me.”
A proud Israeli, Shmulik Rifman has always lived in the Negev. His close friends and mentors have included Israeli Prime Ministers. Shimon Peres appeared on a video tribute expressing his admiration and current Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sent a letter of accommodation to Mayor Rifman, acknowledging the importance of the Partner For Peace Award.
“May G-d grant us that in our lifetime we'll attain the peace and security that we all want so deeply,” said this well loved Mayor and friend of the Denver Community.
ISIME hosted close to one hundred students for the dinner including those participating in the Student Interfaith Peace Project, a program bringing together Christian, Jewish and Muslim high school students who will learn about each other's cultures during a year-long course.