XXI. Three Special Aspects of Our Work XXII. Special Announcements XXIII. Financial Statement XXIV. A Brief Message from the Chairman

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XXI. Three Special Aspects of Our Work

A. OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR
I could easily name a half dozen of our Mitzvah people who have told me, "We need a Naomi." She is clearly the reason for Ziv's continued success, expanding horizons, and important breakthroughs. She also serves as an advisor and consultant for many Mitzvah Heroes and projects - including some not mentioned in the Annual Report. Because of her growing role in Ziv's work, we have changed her official title from "Administrator" to "Managing Director." Clearly the most-often correct answer to the question, "How did Ziv do it?" is "Naomi made it happen!" All good wishes are appropriate, from Yishar Koach­All the more strength to you, to the "Right on!" of the '60s. We are privileged to have her work on our behalf.

B. ZIV'S AGENT IN ISRAEL
Arnie Draiman continues to serve as our part-time representative and agent in Israel. He investigates and initiates projects on our behalf and is a vital link for Naomi and myself by e-mail and phone. He is also the person who spreads the word about our work within Israeli society, and also connects not only Israelis, but Americans on tour or studying in Israel, with our Mitzvah heroes. A heartfelt Yishar Koach to him for the good work he does on Ziv's behalf.

C. INTERNS ($1,975)
One of the most exciting parts of our work is the Ziv Summer Intern Program. This past summer we welcomed returnee Ilan Glazer, a student at the Joint Program of The Jewish Theological Seminary, and Dina Zehngut of Tucson, AZ, presently a first-year student at the University of Massachusetts. We can think of no better way to raise a new generation of insightful and sensitive Jewish leaders. They are so bright and learn so quickly the powerful messages our Israeli heroes teach us. It was truly a wonder to watch them just as they "got it." The work that Ilan and Dina carried out on behalf of Ziv was both physically and emotionally demanding. They have learned their lessons well and join a distinguished group of previous interns, many of whom now hold responsible positions in Jewish leadership throughout the country. We thank them for all of their work on our behalf and wish them Yishar Koach as they continue their education.

XXII. Special Announcements

1. I am pleased to announce that four individuals who are deeply committed to Ziv's work have agreed to join our Board of Directors: Rabbi Neal Gold, Arleen Sternfeld, Marc Sternfeld, and Glenn Easton.

2. We have also formed an Advisory Committee to give us ideas and guidance as we look to the future. In February, 14 of us (including Naomi and myself) held an exceptionally productive meeting in New Jersey. We believe the results will have a profound impact on Ziv's work over the coming years.

3. Keeping up with the technology of the 21st Century, we now have the capability to receive donations through the World Wide Web. Go to www.helping.org, and select Ziv. (This website deducts 2% of your contribution for their operating costs.) Several people have already availed themselves of this method of contributing.

4. We encourage congregations and day schools to print bumper stickers that use the word "Mensch" instead of or in addition to "honor student." Contact Donna Reiter Brandwein for more information: 847-940-9543, Dbrandwein@aol.com.

 

XXIII.  Ziv Financial Statement
Allocations to Ziv projects (including intern program)	$508,049.59
Expenses Salaries*
Ziv Managing Director	31,957.58
Ziv Agent in Israel (salary and taxes)	1,700.00**
*All money for salaries is raised separately and is not taken from Ziv general funds. **The remaining portion of our Agent's salary is being covered by a grant from an anonymous donor in Israel.
Design, printing, and mailing of Annual Report and November Update	15,570.95
Office Equipment	910.92
Postage, stationery, telephone, permits and legal registration fees	3,818.22

XXIV. A Brief Message from the Chairman
One of my favorite Biblical verses is from the Book of Daniel (12:3) - "And those who bring others to do The Right Thing shall be as the stars." The verse not only speaks of the people described in this report, but also of all Ziv's supporters. You have allowed thousands of people to make Tzedakah a living reality. We are dazzled by the beauty and purity of this Mitzvah, and awed by the power of human beings to bring so much Life and Dignity to others. I close with another favorite verse of mine (Psalm 8:6), freely paraphrased: "You have made human beings - at times nearly imperceptibly so - barely lower than the Divine, graciously offering us the opportunity to perform glorious and majestic acts." Yishar Kochachem, all the more strength to all of you who take part in our work. It is a privilege to be your Mitzvah Messenger.

 

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