Plant a Tree in Memory of Dr. Stephen Wolnek Z"L
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MERCAZ Olami and Masorti Olami are saddened by the untimely loss of MERCAZ Olami's President, Dr. Stephen Wolnek, who passed away on January 5, 2016, 24 Tevet.
Following his election to the post of USY regional president as a teenager more than six decades ago, there hasn't been a year in which Steve didn't serve in one vital leadership position or another - more often than not as president. His passion, dedication, and consummate leadership, over more than half a century of selfless service, impacted profoundly on the vibrancy and quality - quite literally - of millions of Jewish lives.
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Now it is our turn to do something in return; a token of our appreciation that at the same time will advance the causes he held so dear. In consultation with his children and his beloved wife Elysia, who stood staunchly by his side in all of his endeavors, we have determined that the most fitting tribute we could pay Steve would be to plant a woodland of trees in his memory in the Israel he loved so deeply, the approaching holiday of Tu B'Shvat being a perfect time for replenishment and renewal of Israel's forestry.
At the time of his death, Steve served not only as president of MERCAZ Olami but also as a vice-president of the Jewish National Fund (JNF). Accordingly, we have made arrangements with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) that half the amount paid for every tree planted will go to further the educational activities of Masorti/Conservative youth around the world.
Our goal for this project is to raise a minimum of $25,000. Please be generous in your contribution, which will not only honor Steve and his family, but will also further the efforts he believed in: reclaiming the Land of Israel and nurturing the next generation of Jewish leadership.
Anyone who donates one or more trees in Steve's honor will receive an official certificate of appreciation from the JNF, once our campaign has ended.
Condolence letters may be sent to Steve's wife, Elysia, and sons Seth and Ivan to: SWolnek@aol.com.
Steve, we will miss your strong leadership, your kind smile and your dedication and love for Israel.
Yehi Zichro Baruch.
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