New York Spring Reception 2025
Monday, May 12th 2025
Temple Israel of the City of New York
Keynote Speaker: Elica Le Bon
6:30 - 8:30 PM
See below for ticket options
Please email events@standwithus.com with any questions.
Keynote Speaker
Elica Le Bon
Elica Le Bon is an attorney, artist, activist, and speaker. She was born and raised in London, UK, and moved to Los Angeles to go to law school. Since then, she has worked foremost as an attorney while developing a second career in activism, initially focused primarily on bringing light to issues surrounding human rights in Iran and the wider Middle East. Since starting, her unique voice has reached millions across various audiences and platforms around the world as a voice for bridge-building, truth telling, and humanity.
Remarks from
Ambassador
Ofir Akunis
The Consul General of Israel in New York
Speaker
Nina Rennert Davidson
Nina Rennert Davidson is an activist and tireless champion of Israel. She attended Barnard College and then received a joint J.D. and M.B.A. from NYU. After the birth of her first child, Nina gave up her career in marketing, committing all her time and energy tr her family and Jewish causes and philanthropy. She started AIPAC's women's division, was one of the first members of End Jew Hatred and was the recipient of the Algemeiners "Warrior of Truth" award. Nina has been focusing her time and energy since October 7th fighting against antisemitism on college campuses. She is a passionate advocate for Jews and Israel.
Honoree
About
Sofie Glassman
Sofie Glassman is a 17 year old Zionist Jewish activist from Long Island, New York. As the founder of her own nonprofit organization, Stop Jewish Hate Spread Love, Inc., Sofie builds bridges by spreading tolerance. Her advocacy journey began when she was 15, after she faced many antisemitic incidents. Becoming involved in her school's Jewish Student Union club, Sofie found her community inside and outside of school. These students taught her the importance of standing up and fighting for our people. Sofie continued to join other organizations to further her education and advocacy. After the horrific attacks on October 7th, 2023, Sofie knew she wanted to do more. She began selling sweatshirts with the phrase “Stop Jewish Hate Spread Love”, and all of the money went to helping Israel. However, Sofie knew that even more could be done to create a bigger impact, so she turned her cause into a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Through her efforts, she has become a pillar of resilience within her community.
Honoree
About
Galia Labowitz
Galia Labowitz is an Outreach Aryeh Fellow and Emerson Fellow, deeply engaged in Jewish education, advocacy, and community leadership. She serves as a Bar Mitzvah tutor and Youth Coordinator at Ramath Orah Synagogue, working to inspire and empower the next generation. Galia is also the Policy Coordinator on Columbia’s General Studies Student Council (GSSC) and an Associate Art Designer for Columbia University’s Sundial Publication. She is currently studying in the Joint Program between the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University, focusing on Cognitive Science, Art History, and Jewish Ethics. Passionate about strengthening Jewish identity and advocating for Israel, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and ensuring a strong Jewish future.
Honoree
About
Rina Isaac
Rina Isaac is a sophomore at Columbia University, where she is actively involved in campus life and Jewish student organizations. A proud member of the dual degree program with JTS List, Rina is committed to fostering connections and supporting the Jewish community. She is a StandWithUs Emerson Fellow, where she engages in advocacy and educational initiatives related to Israel and global Jewish affairs. She is also an alumni of StandWithUs's First Year Leadership Internship program.
Rina's leadership journey began during her high school years in Seattle, Washington, where she participated in the Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship, gaining valuable skills in leadership and community engagement. At Columbia, Rina serves as the Outreach Chair for Aryeh, Hillel's Pro-Israel club, and is also an active member of the Jewish On Campus Club, furthering her passion for creating a welcoming environment for all Jewish students.
With a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy, and Jewish communal involvement, Rina continues to make a positive impact on campus and beyond.
Honoree
About
Nini (Pnina) Berger
Nini (Pnina) Berger was born in Israel to parents who were deeply involved in the founding of the State of Israel—her mother was a tank commander in the Palmach, and her father was a member of the Irgun. Her family moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where she graduated from the University of Cape Town with a BA and BSc in Hebrew, Philosophy, Psychology, Zoology, and Botany. She went on to earn a Teacher-Psychologist degree and later moved to the U.S. A dedicated educator for over 30 years, Nini teaches at The Moriah School in Englewood, NJ, where she has developed and led the Middle School's Hebrew, Zionist, and Israel Education curriculum. She currently runs the Israel Advocacy Club and will accompany students to Capitol Hill to meet with Senators and Congressional representatives. She has participated in various conferences and convenings under the auspices of StandWithUs/IsraelLINK. Additionally, Nini has worked with several conversion candidates, which she finds incredibly fulfilling, and teaches English, via Zoom, to IDF generals. She has a deep love for nature—especially the beach—enjoys cooking and yoga, and is always seeking new ways to enrich her students with knowledge and pride in their heritage.
Nini is married to Steve, has three children—Talya, Josh, and Gavi (Gavriel)—and is fortunate to have several grandchildren. She lives in Teaneck, NJ.