Courtesy of Jewish National Fund USA
By David Woolpy
Assistant Editor
Shelly Gerson, Jeffery Zipkin, and Dr. William L. Barrett will be honored at the JNF Tree of Life Award Gala in Cincinnati on November 12 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on Jewish National Fund-USA’s website, with the specific venue to be announced soon.
Gerson and Zipkin are longtime champions of Jewish National Fund-USA, known for co-founding the Friday Night Shabbat and Jewish Camping programs. Zipkin also serves on the Ohio Valley Board of Directors. Yet their impact extends far beyond those achievements. Together, they have generously supported Hadassah, Magen David Adom, and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)—setting a powerful example of leadership and philanthropy within their community.
“We are very proud that our investments in Jewish National Fund-USA have produced incredible dividends for Israel and the Israeli people,” said Gerson and Zipkin. “We invite everyone to join us in ensuring the future of our shared homeland.”
Dr. William L. Barrett, Professor and Chair of the University of Cincinnati Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Director of the UC Barrett Cancer Center, is being recognized for his lifelong dedication to Jewish National Fund-USA. Widely regarded as “a beloved friend of the Jewish community and an unwavering supporter of the Jewish people and the land of Israel,” Dr. Barrett exemplifies service both in his profession and in his commitment to Israel.
The evening will also feature Israeli diplomat Shahar Azani, CEO of the Book Family Foundation and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Jet Support Services, Inc. A former Senior Vice President at Jewish Broadcasting Service, Azani spent over 16 years with Israel’s Foreign Ministry, focusing on international media relations and public diplomacy. Today, he remains a respected voice on Jewish and Middle Eastern affairs across numerous media outlets.
