THE LOUNGE
1. Taglit-Birthright
Last Wednesday evening at the Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem, Taglit-Birthright Israel held its annual gala event to celebrate its 18th anniversary. 6,000 participants from around the world were joined by 1,500 IDF soldiers from different units as they all enjoyed performances by Hatikva 6 and the Eurovision Song Contest winner Neta Barzilai. The event was attended by the organization’s donors, including Miriam and Sheldon Adelson; Charles Bronfman (who is also a Birthright founder); Birthright CEO Gidi Mark; Meir Shamir, Chairman of Birthright’s Board of Directors; Prof. Gil Troy, Chairman of the Education Committee; and Knesset members. Bronfman, who was celebrating his 87th birthday that same day, was surprised with a special birthday cake that included a personal dedication.
2. Bank Hapoalim
On Wednesday evening, Bank Hapoalim held an event for 10,000 employees and pensioners at Yad La-Shiryon in Latrun. Bank Hapoalim controlling shareholder Shari Arison arrived at the event with her son Daniel Arison Dorsman and his wife Danielle Gal. Guests enjoyed live performances by Shlomi Shabat, Neta Barzilai, and Rita and her daughter, Meshi, who appeared before Bank Hapoalim employees in a moving duet.
3. Via Event
Hezi Ovadia, CEO of ISS Israel, hosted clients and friends at an event that took place this past Wednesday at VIA EVENT in Ness Ziona. ISS Israel provides catering, cleaning and maintenance services to companies and institutions. The company’s new brand, PROMISS, was launched at the event. After the reception and dinner, comedian Adir Miller performed for the guests. Attending the evening were Migdal CEO Doron Sapir, CEO of Osem Itzik Zaig, (who recently announced his resignation) and CEO of the Central Bottling Company (Coca-Cola Israel) Nir Levinger.
4. Yitzhak Tshuva
Yitzhak Tshuva, the controlling shareholder of Delek Group and Elad Investments, will be turning 70 on July 7. In order to surprise him, his wife, Chaya, and his children, Carmit, Gal, Orly, Keren and Elad and grandchildren held a small birthday celebration this past Sunday at the family’s home in Netanya. Family members, business partners and close friends arrived to celebrate with the birthday boy, who was born 70 years ago in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. Tshuva immigrated to Israel with his parents and seven siblings and went on to become one of the most prominent and wealthy businessmen in Israel. Chaya Tshuva and her daughter, Gal Naor, organized the Greek-style party, which included a performance by singer Shlomi Saranga who sang with the birthday boy. His grandchildren also offered their birthday wishes, Paul Anka sent a video greeting, and Eretz Nehederet stars performed.
5. Saban Ventures
Leading Israeli venture capitalists and hi-tech entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the inauguration of Saban Ventures’ new offices. The guests enjoyed a gorgeous view of the Tel Aviv sunset from the balcony of the offices on the 28th floor of the Four Towers. Led by managing partner Barak Pridor, Saban Ventures invests in start-ups from various fields, all of which have an Israeli connection – an Israeli team, founders or technology. The $100 million fund has so far invested in seven companies, including Playbuzz, SimilarWeb, IronSource, and Applicaster. Guests enjoyed a meal prepared by Popina Restaurant, where Pridor cooks once a week. Hosting the event were Haim Saban, owner of Saban Capital Group; Adam Chesnoff, president and COO of Saban Capital Group and his wife, Lisa; businessman Arieh Saban; and Adi Soffer-Teeni, CEO of Facebook Israel.