These words, spoken by Bnai Zion Foundation’s Alan Hevesi at the cornerstone laying ceremony of the Bnai Zion Library of Peace so impressed this reporter with the philanthropic organization’s refreshing and uncharacteristic humility, that she still remembers his speech 14 years after he made it.

Now in its second century of giving, Bnai Zion was founded to strongly support the significant, enduring tie between America and Israel and to advance the physical, mental and social well being of the citizens of America and Israel. Thanks in part to a deep and abiding friendship between Bnai Zion’s Executive V.P. Emeritus Mel Parness and Mayor Beni Kashriel, the Foundation has placed Ma’ale Adumim under its philanthropic wing.

Bnai Zion financially supported the planning and building of the Library of Peace, and the Bert Ordan Computer Department which connects our library to the National Library at the Hebrew University. In addition, the Foundation has made a commitment to build the music conservatory, now being erected next to the library. Future plans include furnishing the cultural center (located next to the music conservatory), increasing the amount of playground equipment throughout the city, adding computers to the educational system, providing air-conditioning to every school and new security vehicles to the city fleet, and expanding the Center for Special Needs Children which serves one hundred Ma’ale Adumim children.

Jack Grunspan, Executive Vice-President of Bnai Zion Foundation visited Ma’ale Adumim last week for a first-hand briefing on the foundation’s projects. Grunspan and Kashriel also laid the groundwork for the mayor’s upcoming working visit to the United States where a number of fundraising events benefiting Ma’ale Adumim will take place.

Readers who want more information about the foundation are encouraged to visit the Bnai Zion exhibit in the library where their long, proud history of achievements is showcased.  Also, the Mitzpeh Edna viewpoint located at the corner of HeChalil and Hashofar streets is named after Edna Ma’ayani, a long-time Bnai Zion member and Ma’ale Adumim supporter.