Bringing Smiles to Jerusalem:

The Story of Dr. Isaac Perle and
the Jerusalem Dental Center for Children

Alpha Omega member, Dr. Isaac Perle’s, work stands as a testament to the power of compassion and determination. Recognizing the need for accessible pediatric dental care in Jerusalem, he spearheaded the establishment of the Jerusalem Dental Center for Children, a facility dedicated to providing essential services to underserved communities.

The journey to build the Jerusalem Dental Center for Children began when Dr. Perle’s parents took him and his wife on a trip to Jerusalem. During their visit, Dr. Perle noticed that many children had black teeth. Dismayed by his discovery of severe dental disease, Dr. Perle envisioned creating a nonprofit dental clinic where those who could afford care would help subsidize treatment for those who could not.

To build credibility, Dr. Perle assembled a prestigious Board of Directors and an advisory committee, including D. Walter Cohen, Morton Amsterdam and various others, along with the support and encouragement of Mayor Teddy Kollek of Jerusalem, and the dean of Hebrew University Dental School. After presenting his proposal of the dental center, Mayor Kollek offered a rent-free building in the Bukharim neighborhood of Jerusalem, provided the clinic opened by July 1985.

As of 1984, Dr. Perle had raised only $8,000 out of the $80,000 required and faced mounting pressure to meet the deadline. A turning point came when Benny Slome from South Africa, whose mother was the first Jewish dentist in Poland, offered $100,000 after learning about the project. This generous donation helped fund the clinic’s launch.

Continue reading the article by clicking here.

 

Our Responsibility is Supporting  Dentists in Israel

Help Provide Psychological Services to
Dental Students and Faculty 
Overcoming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

We invite you to join the International Alliance of Alpha Omega Charitable Organizations in supporting the establishment of a dedicated fund at The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine.

The PTSD fund, yet to be named, will provide funding for psychological services to dental students and faculty suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the October 7th attack.

Both Tel Aviv and Hadassah Hebrew University dental schools are in need of financial support for these services and it is our responsibility as Jewish dentists to support the dentists in Israel who are suffering.

Learn More or Donate Today!

Make A Difference

Volunteer Today!

Over the past ten years, the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program has provided over $5 million in donated oral care across 23 North American cities, offering Holocaust survivors the ability to eat pain-free and smile with dignity.

The program fills a critical need for this underserved community.  Nearly one-third of survivors live in poverty.  We need more AO Society dentists to support this vital mission.

Make a difference and volunteer today by contacting Bernice Edelstein at [email protected] or call 240-876-3330.

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Mazal Tov Moments

Mazal Tov to Dr. Whitney Mostafiz, NY AO Chapter President, on being inducted into the New York Academy of Dentistry!

Dr. Mostafiz was nominated by Dr. Gail Schupak for this prestigious honor. Becoming a member of the New York Academy of Dentistry is a testament to Dr. Mostafiz’s dedication to advancing dentistry, leading with integrity, and serving as an example of excellence. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

 

Mazal Tov to Dr. Bernie Kahn, AO Foundation Board Member and AO Society Regional Director - Florida, for being honored with the 2025 Florida Dental Association’s Leadership Award.

His dedication to advancing the dental profession and supporting the AO community is truly inspiring. Join us in congratulating Dr. Kahn as he receives this prestigious award at the Florida Dental Convention Awards Banquet this June.

 

Mazal Tov to Suzanne and Andy Lasky on the birth of their precious granddaughter, Aviela Lasky! May she bring endless joy, love, and blessings to your family.

 

Mazal Tov to PIPs Wendy and Michael Spektor on the birth of their grandson, Jett Madden Spektor!  Born on February 6, 2025, weighing 8 lbs 4 oz.

Wishing the entire family endless joy, health, and cherished moments with your newest blessing!

Why should you support the tribute program?  The income from the tribute program is essential to fund smaller, yet impactful initiatives.  Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to respond to the many requests we receive from chapters and partners across the United States and Israel. Every dollar from tributes directly supports these initiatives, empowering us to make a difference where it matters most.

Help make a difference today!

Send a Tribute

Gratitude in Abundance

Honoring Our Generous Supporters

On behalf of the Alpha Omega Foundation US, we express our deepest gratitude for the unwavering support and generous gifts.

Thank you, donors!

Below is a list of gifts received by the Foundation for
February 2025.

 

The Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program

  • Allen and Danielle Finkelstein
  • Claire Friedlander Family Foundation

In Memory of Daniel Azoulay

Gold

  • Marvin and Fran Sonne

In Memory of Perry Brickman

Gold

  • Murray and Barbara Miller

In Memory of Bette "Grammie" Rothstein

Platinum

  • Josh and Melissa Wasserman

In Honor of Glenn Meyer serving as Treasurer for the AO Society

Silver

  • Murray and Barbara Miller

In Honor of Paul Trombly on being elected to AO Society Board

Silver

  • Murray and Barbara Miller

In Honor of Suzanne & Andy Lasky becoming grandparents

Silver

  • AO Washington Alumni Chapter
  • Fred Simon and Amy Altman

In Honor of Wendy and Michael Spektor becoming grandparents

Platinum

  • Marc and Bobbie Rothman
 

Honoring March Birthdays

Celebrate a friends birthday by sending a card from the foundation supporting our work supporting the needs of Israel and AO US Society Chapters. Click here!

March 1

  • Bruce A. Luria
  • Lawrence S. Lipkind
  • Michael M. Greenburg

March 2

  • Steven J. Levy 

March 3

  • Jason Tepper
  • Jay P. Goldsmith
  • Lloyd M. Tucker
  • Shirley Ann Spater

March 4

  • Harold K. Schmulenson
  • James E. Mertzel

March 5

  • Jeremiah M. Granados

March 6

  • Gary A. Stern 
  • Scott A. Norton
  • Shara Miller

March 8

  • Ronald D. Berris 

March 9

  • Adelina Duka
  • Fred M. Rabinowitz
  • Saul M. Pressners 

March 10

  • Jack I. Joseph
  • Ronald J. Solomon 

March 11

  • Marjorie B. Leof

March 12

  • James P. Sylvan
  • Mark J. Weisenberg 

March 13

  • David A. Zelby
  • Michael B. Koidin
  • Paul R. Nahmias 

March 14

  • Edward N. Wolf
  • Robert B. Felsenfeld 

March 15

  • George M. Kabot 

March 16

  • Erin J. Bartlett
  • Jacqueline S. Winter

March 17

  • Jay M. Goldberg
  • Sylvan M. Failer 

March 18

  • Bernard P. Dishler
  • Jeffrey Goldsmith

March 19

  • Bradley E. Cohn
  • Steven G. Exler
  • Wendi A. Levine 

March 20

  • Jamie Pirowskin
  • Harry N. Rosen
  • Jonathan Miller
  • Robert Moss
  • Rodrick E. Pearline 

March 21

  • Laurence A. Harlan
  • Lee A. Weisbard 

March 22

  • Marshall S. Abes 

March 23

  • Michael Szikman
  • Steven J. Kusnick 

March 26

  • Ori Levy 

March 27

  • David E. Sheinkopf
  • Jeffrey L. Adler
  • Michael Plous
  • Sergio Rubinstein 

March 28

  • Paul Darmon
  • Stephen T. McInerney 

March 29

  • Greg D. Greenberg
  • Jeffrey Linderman
  • Sharon J. Bader 

March 31

  • Jeffrey S. Cohen 

Please notify the Foundation about any upcoming events, birthdays, graduations, anniversary, any milestones, or a loss. Your communication of these life events helps us foster a supportive and caring environment within our Foundation community.

 

Send an e-mail to notify the Foundation at [email protected] or call 301-228-0227.

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