Advancing Psychological Treatment Across Israel’s | |
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Dental Community through Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope |
Alpha Omega’s Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope initiative has moved from vision to action. Across Israel, dentists, faculty, interns, forensic teams, and frontline professionals are now taking part in workshops, individual sessions, and professional support programs designed to help them process trauma and strengthen resilience. |
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Members of the Israel Police Forensic Unit participate in a workshop focused on healing, resilience, and trauma recovery.
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| The program is currently providing meaningful support to the following institutions and groups: |
- Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University: The first session was held via Zoom on March 18 with 14 participants from the school. Additional in-person sessions are in process of being planned.
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Hebrew University – Hadassah School of Dental Medicine: Individual therapy is now being funded through the university.
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Israel Police Forensic Unit: On May 27, the core forensic team participated in a workshop focused on mental well-being, peer support, and coping strategies. Participants discussed the challenges associated with their work, shared experiences, and explored ways to support one another. Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect and requested additional workshops and support programs.
- Rambam Medical Center: A session is scheduled for July 21, 2026, with three more workshops planned this year.
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Galilee Medical Center: Coordination is underway for a workshop supporting dentists who served in the Reserves.
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In addition, Dr. Laurie Gordon-Shaw and Dr. Michael Spektor will be interviewed by Moment Live. The conversation will explore Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope, Alpha Omega’s healing initiative, its mission, and the urgent need for trauma support within Israel’s dental community.
This interview is especially significant given Moment Magazine’s distinguished legacy. Founded in 1975 by Elie Wiesel and Leonard Fein, Moment has long brought a thoughtful Jewish lens to the issues shaping Jewish life, identity, and community. Its respected platform provides an important opportunity for raising awareness of the trauma-related challenges facing Israel’s dental professionals and the specialized support they need. Watch for an email with additional details on how to view the interview.
As this conversation helps raise awareness of the challenges facing Israel’s dental community, it also reminds us that healing requires action. Now more than ever, we must stand with our colleagues in Israel and help them heal. Host a chapter gathering to show your support for our Israeli dental family and help advance the mission of Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope. |
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| Dr. Vladi Dvoyris Publishes The Bottom Line |
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The Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation congratulates Alpha Omega member Dr. Vladi Dvoyris on the publication of his new book, The Bottom Line, a dark autofiction novel drawn from his experience serving as a forensic identification officer at Israel’s Shura military mortuary base in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Dr. Dvoyris found himself called into a role few could imagine. In the book he offers a raw and deeply personal account of that transformation, bringing readers into the clinical and surreal reality of a military mortuary and the painstaking work of identifying victims after national tragedy.
By sharing his experience, Dr. Dvoyris opens the door to important conversations about resilience, trauma, service, and recovery. His work is not an easy read, but it is an essential testament to humanity, compassion, and the strength required to restore hope in the aftermath of the unimaginable. |
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Dr. Dvoyris’s story speaks directly to the mission of the Foundation’s Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope program, which supports efforts to address trauma, promote healing, and strengthen the mental well-being of dental students, faculty, professionals and front line personnel. His story reminds us that healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and supported.
The AO US Dental Foundation is proud to recognize Dr. Dvoyris for his courage in sharing this story, his service to the people of Israel, and his continued dedication to helping others move forward with strength and hope. Mazel tov to Dr. Vladi Dvoyris on this powerful and meaningful achievement. |
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May Was Jewish American Heritage Month |
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We've Been Celebrating All Month Long |
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Are you following us on social media? Did you see our posts highlighting Jewish American history, pride, resilience, and impact? If you missed the stories, now’s the perfect time to catch up.
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and help us continue sharing the stories that connect, inspire, and strengthen the Jewish dental community in the United States. |
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| This message from Nolen Levine beautifully captures the power of mentorship in Alpha Omega.
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Give Smarter with a Donor-Advised Fund |
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Sample of what you will see on the website. |
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Supporting the AO US Dental Foundation through your donor-advised fund is now faster and easier than ever. With DAF Direct, you can recommend a grant directly from our website in just a few clicks. Simply choose your provider — limited to Fidelity Charitable®, DAFgiving360® formerly Schwab Charitable, or the BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund® — enter your gift details, and complete your recommendation securely through your DAF provider. You may also wish to explore opening a charitable donor-advised fund with the AO US Dental Foundation. Establishing a DAF with us is a meaningful way to support the causes you care about while creating lasting impact through Alpha Omega’s philanthropic work. |
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To learn more about the advantages of holding a donor-advised fund with the Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation, contact Laura Kolton at 610-215-7580 or click here to send an email. |
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Mazal Tov to Dr. James K. Feldman, on his appointment as ICD Regent for District 4.
A proud member of Alpha Omega and a respected leader in organized dentistry, Dr. Feldman has been a lifelong advocate for the profession. His dedication to service, education, and collegiality has left a lasting impact on the dental community. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and wish him great success as he begins his term serving the International College of Dentists. |
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| Mazal Tov to Dr. Rachel Davis and the entire Davis Dental Center team on being named one of the Top 10 Dental Offices in St. Matthews, Kentucky for 2026!
This well-deserved recognition reflects your commitment to excellence, compassionate care, and the positive impact you continue to make in your community. We are proud to celebrate this wonderful achievement with you! |
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Mazal Tov to Amy Altman and Dr. Fred Simon on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Constantine Socrates and Talia Helena, born on May 5, 2026! |
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| Mazal Tov to Alpha Omega International Regional Director (Germany), Dr. Alexander Zalesski, and his wife, Dr. Svetlana Zalesski, on the birth of their son, Henry! |
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Final Award Recipient for the 2026 Dr. Allen Finkelstein Scholarship |
A.T. Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health |
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Jewel Saad: A DMD candidate in the Class of 2027, Jewel is an exceptional student recognized for consistent academic excellence, a strong commitment to scholarship through active research participation, and the pursuit of a Master of Public Health degree while completing her DMD. She is also deeply dedicated to community engagement.
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Every tribute gift fuels real impact! |
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The Foundation continues to support meaningful initiatives that strengthen the AO community and advance dental education and care in the United States, Israel, and beyond. Your purchase of a tribute helps fund smaller yet impactful initiatives, such as:
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- Equipping Future Dental Leaders
- Fostering Global Exchange
- Expanding Our Mission
- Supporting Dental Centers in Israel
- And more
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Without your support of the Tribute program, the Foundation 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.
Whether marking a joyful occasion, honoring a loved one, or remembering someone’s legacy, your tribute gift turns a meaningful moment into lasting impact for the Jewish dental community. Below, we honor the memory of a cherished member of our Alpha Omega family who passed in May: |
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On behalf of the Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation, we express our deepest gratitude
for the unwavering support and generous gifts. Thank you, donors! Below is a list of gifts received by the AO US Dental Foundation for May 2026 |
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Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope |
First Signs of Hope - up to $1,249 Supporting three treatments – a strong start on the journey to recovery |
- Debra and Mark Luria
- Myron W. Rubin
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The Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program |
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In Memory of Bernie Kramer |
- Murray and Barbara Miller
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In honor of Amy and Fred Simon on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Constantine Socrates and Talia Helena |
- Sharon Brown and Michael Pollowtiz
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In honor of Sandy and Joel Friedman on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Molly Sarah and Joshua Liam Friedman-Kader |
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| In honor of Sheri and Allen Heller on their son Max's engagement |
- Sharon Brown and Michael Pollowtiz
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In honor of Drs. Laurie Gordon-Shaw and David Shaw on the marriage of Adam Shaw to Lindsay Feder officiated by Rabbi Jenna Shaw |
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Sharon Brown and Michael Pollowtiz
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Silver: up to $36.00 | Gold: $72.00 | Platinum: $180.00 |
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Celebrating June Birthdays |
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Pay tribute to a friend's birthday by sending a card from the US Dental Foundation supporting our work, the needs of Israel, and AO US Society chapters. Click here! |
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- Thomas Bachstein
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Ryan Engelberg
- Theodore S. Field III
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- John Cohen
- Jeffrey A. Harrison
- D. Milton Salzer
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- Todd E. Shatkin
- Steven D. Spitz
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- Isaac Bar
- Ashley E. Lazar
- Ellen C. Lippa
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- Robert M. Farber
- Fred Haim
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- James Eisdorfer
- Jeffrey M. Klein
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- Mark S. Geller
- Michael Gertsen
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- Robin Feinberg
- June M. Sadowsky
- Michael Teitelbaum
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- Nelia Barkhordar
- Bianca Malin
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- Allen M. Moffson
- Ester R. Sleutelberg
- Yair Yechiell Whiteman
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| - Allan Braunstein
- Stephen L. Claybon
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- Lawrence Gettleman
- Fredric A. Kaufman
- Ellis A. Shwarts
- Alan M. Simons
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- Robert A. Grollman
- William J. Ruskin
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- Nancy J. Myerson
- Steven P. Perlman
- Ross Shelden
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- David A. Bloom
- Ariel Cross
- Andrew Rutman
- Daniel Shertok
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- Gabrielle Balderman
- Jeffrey Dorfman
- Garry A. Rayant
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Please notify the Foundation about any upcoming events, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, 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 foundation@aofus.org or call 301-228-0227.
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