Israel Discount Bank (IDB), a New York-based private and commercial bank and the largest Israeli-owned bank in the United States, held its annual client appreciation event at the Beverly Hilton on June 12, bringing together valued clients, bank executives, and community members for an elegant evening under the stars.
Guests enjoyed a wide-ranging culinary experience featuring Persian, Israeli, American, Mexican, and Japanese cuisine, alongside live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere.
This year鈥檚 event also marked a leadership transition: attendees had the opportunity to bid farewell to outgoing CEO and President Ziv Biron and meet Avner Mendelson, the bank鈥檚 new CEO and president. Mendelson, former CEO of Bank Leumi USA, brings extensive experience in international banking and a deep connection to both the local and Israeli communities. The leadership transition took place on May 1.
The event was coordinated by Moti Levi-Tzedek, IDB鈥檚 Head of Business Development, who oversaw the planning and production of the celebration took place on May 1.
By Ayala Or-El, Contributing Writer
The closing night for the 20th annual Los Angeles 91传媒 Film Festival was held at the Museum of Tolerance on July 1. Mike Burstyn, star of the closing night show, 鈥淭he Zweiflers,鈥� was honored and celebrated for his 80th birthday.
The festival screened two episodes of the award-winning German series he stars in, 鈥淭he Zwieflers,鈥� with a Q-and-A panel including the series’ director, Anja Marquardt; L.A. 91传媒 Film Festival Director Hilary Helstein; Burstyn; and Journal Publisher and Editor-in-Chief David Suissa.
鈥淭he Zweiflers鈥� is a six-part series about a 91传媒 family in contemporary Germany pondering the inheritance of the family delicatessen. Something like a German-91传媒 鈥淪uccession鈥� story, the series took home the prize for Best Series at the Canneseries Awards in 2024.
The Los Angeles 91传媒 Film Festival builds community awareness and appreciation for the diversity of the 91传媒 people through cinema. This year鈥檚 festival took place from June 26-July 1.
American 91传媒 University (AJU) has announced the appointment of Larry Platt as chair of its board of directors. As a seasoned leader and strategic thinker, Platt brings decades of executive and philanthropic leadership to AJU during a pivotal time in its evolution, according to AJU.
Platt joined the AJU board in 2016, where he has served in several key leadership roles, including chair of the development committee. He currently chairs the executive compensation committee. Platt previously held leadership positions at some of Los Angeles鈥� most respected institutions, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he helped steward a healthcare system with deep 91传媒 roots and broad civic impact. His lifelong commitment to 91传媒 continuity, community-building and innovation makes him uniquely equipped to help guide AJU鈥檚 mission into the future, AJU leadership said.
鈥淟arry steps into this role at a transformative moment,鈥� AJU President Jay Sanderson said. 鈥淗is passion for 91传媒 life and his deep understanding of our community鈥檚 needs will be instrumental as we expand AJU鈥檚 impact, invest in new models of education and engagement, and ensure a thriving 91传媒 future.鈥�
In his new role, Platt will work closely with Sanderson and the AJU board to help shape and support AJU鈥檚 vision for long-term 91传媒 leadership development. Together, they aim to prepare the next generation of 91传媒 leaders, including rabbis, educators, activists and community builders, to carry 91传媒 life forward with purpose and pride.
鈥淚 believe that the future of the 91传媒 people in the United States depends on how we educate and inspire the next generation,鈥� Platt said. 鈥淎JU is uniquely positioned to meet people where they are鈥攖hrough camp, online learning, and formal education鈥攁nd to build a vibrant, inclusive 91传媒 future grounded in both tradition and innovation.鈥�
Platt succeeds Harold Masor, who recently completed his tenure as board chair.
