There is no other way to describe the pain and horror we feel in the wake of the brutal murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two young Israeli Embassy staffers who were senselessly shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. This act of targeted antisemitic violence has shaken our community to its core.

Yaron and Sarah were not only dedicated professionals serving the State of Israel—they embodied a shared commitment to building bridges, fostering understanding, and advancing dialogue between peoples. Their lives were guided by the very values we uphold as a Foundation: dialogue over division, and engagement over fear.

Sarah’s mission in life is especially close to our hearts. Her involvement with Tech2Peace—an initiative that brings Israelis and Palestinians together through connection, shared purpose, and courage—reflects the same ideals we champion through the Tree of Peace program and our role as founding members of the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders. May her memory continue to inspire us to act with resolve and compassion.

Now, more than ever, as the AO US Dental Foundation, we must raise our voices not only in defense of Jewish life, but in affirmation of the vision that Yaron and Sarah represented: an Israel that is strong, secure, and committed to building a future of understanding and peace.

We extend our deepest condolences to their families, the staff of the Israeli Embassy, and all who are mourning this profound loss. May the memories of Yaron and Sarah forever be a blessing—and may we honor them through action, advocacy, and unity.

With grief and solidarity,

Marc Rothman

Chairman

Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation

Dr. Bernie Dishler - AO Philadelphia Chapter and Marina Furman - Executive Director of National Major Donor Advancement at Jewish National Fund

Yigal Chetrit, Romi Gold and Karen Averill (AJMA Representative)

It began with an article.

Dr. Bernie Dishler, a longtime leader in the Philadelphia Chapter of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society, came across a piece detailing the destruction at Kibbutz Be’eri. Amid the devastation, he read about the kibbutz’s dental clinic—a space once dedicated to care and healing—being torn down, not just from damage, but to make way for something new: a rebuilt Dental, Medical, and Maternity Center. A symbol of hope rising from unimaginable grief.

Dr. Dishler immediately reached out to the AO US Dental Foundation with a simple but powerful plea: "Can we help?"

The answer was a resounding yes!

With the support of the AO US Dental Foundation, and partnership with Jewish National Fund, with participation from the American Jewish Medical Association, the Philadelphia AO chapter organized a community event to stand in solidarity with Be’eri. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, more than 50 people gathered at Har Zion Temple outside Philadelphia. This wasn’t just a memorial. It was a night of remembrance and rebuilding.

Those in attendance listened in solemn silence as Romi Gold and Yigal Chetrit shared their connections to Kibbutz Be’eri. They spoke of the trauma, yes, but also of the strength, the resistance, and the deep will to rebuild. They told how the clinic became a makeshift triage center, how it was stormed, and how it became the final line of defense on that terrible day.

But they also spoke about what’s next.

Together, in that room, over $7,000 was raised in a single night to support the rebuilding of the clinic—an essential resource for the kibbutz and a symbol of their resilience. It was a remarkable beginning, but the need is still great.

The AO US Dental Foundation, working closely with Jewish National Fund-USA and the local American Jewish Medical Association, continues to call on the broader AO family—and all who care—to join this effort. The memory of what was lost compels us to act. The vision for what can still be built drives us forward.

This powerful evening—and the movement it sparked—stands as a testament to what happens when one person takes action, and a community answers the call.

The AO Philadelphia Chapter is inviting your chapter and your members to join us in a meaningful effort. To learn how your chapter can participate in helping to raise $300,000 to rebuild the dental clinic, please contact the US Foundation office at: foundation.aofus.org or click here to make a donation!

Front row, left to right: Adi Rotches, Romi Gold, Anat Cohen, Marina Furman, Jack Ludmir, Yigal Chetrit,

Back Row, left to right: Unknown, Vered Gold, Yoram Snir, Karen Averill, Laura Kolton, Bernie Dishler, Debbie Gilad

Eric Cantor, President of AO Philadelphia Chapter, and Yoram Snir, guest whose family was killed at Kibbutz Be'eri

Yigal Chetrit with Dr. Jack Ludmir whose nephew Daniel Levi Ludmir was the ENT killed in the Dental Clinic at Kibbutz Be'eri

Debbie Gilad sharing her story of how her family perished

We invite you to join the International Alliance of Alpha Omega Charitable Organizations in establishing a dedicated fund for The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine. Both institutions are struggling to provide essential psychological services for their faculty and students.

As Jewish dentists, we have a profound responsibility to stand with our Israeli colleagues. We implore you to take action and support our fellow Alpha Omegans in need. 

Mazal Tov to Gail Schupak, PIP, on being inducted as a Fellow in the Pierre Fuchard Academy—an international honor society that recognizes outstanding dentists who have made significant contributions to the profession and their communities.

This prestigious recognition is a testament not only to Gail's clinical excellence but also to her leadership and service. The Academy highlighted her role as President of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society, underscoring her longstanding commitment to advancing the field of dentistry through mentorship, philanthropy, and professional engagement.

Well-deserved recognition for an extraordinary leader—Mazal Tov!

Mazal Tov to Dr. Aaron Harouni on his graduation graduation from dental school — a tremendous achievement and the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.

In his own words: “Dr. Harouni is my father… call me Aaron.”

We are proud to recognize this well-earned milestone and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

Mazal Tov to Prof. Nardy Caspi, chairman of the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Haddassah Hebrew University school of dental medicine on being awarded the highest honor from the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial  Surgeons, recognizing his lifetime achievements and outstanding contributions to the field.

This prestigious award was presented during the Association’s Annual Meeting at a distinguished gala dinner.

Mazal tov on this well-deserved recognition!

Why should you support the tribute program?  The income from the tribute program is essential for funding 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!

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 May 2025.

Helping Be'eri Begin Again

AO Philadelphia Chapter Fundraising Campaign

$1,800 - Rebuilders of Hope

$500 - Part of the Healing

$360 - Tools of Recovery

Walls of Healing

In Memory of Emil Landes

Gold

In Memory of Perry Brickman

Gold

In Honor of Sharon Perlmutter

Silver

In Honor of Michael and Wendy Spektor

Gold

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!

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 5

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 20

June 21

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

June 29