Educational Events

By fostering understanding through education events we have worked to dispel misconceptions, and build bridges, promoting positive interaction with Israel and the Jewish community.

Mr. Lee Wunsch

October 11, 2015

IDF Brigadier General Gal Hirsch shared his invaluable experiences with the One With Israel Educational Department, recounting his time on the frontlines of Israel’s military since 1982. Drawing from decades of service, General Hirsch provided a unique perspective that offers a deeper understanding of the operational challenges Israel faces in the region.

His firsthand accounts and strategic insights shed light on the complexities of military operations and the resilience required to navigate them. This session was a rare opportunity to gain an insider’s view of Israel’s defense strategies and the enduring strength of its military forces.

Sabrina Thomas

November 8, 2015

Sabrina Thomas, is AIPAC Southwest Regional Outreach to lecture the One With Israel Educational department.

Rabbi Steve Morgan

December 12, 2015

Rabbi Brian Strauss coordinates Adult Education programs at Beth Yeshurun. His community involvement includes outreach in interfaith activities, teaching in Jewish and non-Jewish venues, and serving as a board member of the regional boards of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC). He is also a past board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston. Additionally, Rabbi Strauss is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute.

While working as a corporate/securities lawyer in Los Angeles, Rabbi Strauss was an active member of the Library Minyan at Temple Beth Am, occasionally delivering sermons and studying Talmud with friends during his lunch hour. He took a year off from his legal practice in 1987-88 to study at the Conservative Movement’s Bet Midrash in Jerusalem, where he met his wife, Diane Dorf, who was studying to be a Cantor at Hebrew Union College.

Mr. Gary Kenzer

January 23, 2016

Gary Kenzer is the esteemed National USA Executive Director of HonestReporting, an organization dedicated to promoting truth, integrity, and fairness in journalism, particularly in media coverage related to Israel.

Before his tenure at HonestReporting, Gary served as the National Director for Magen David Adom USA. His extensive career in the Jewish community also includes leadership roles with the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago and as a Regional Director for B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) in Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

Gary’s expertise extends beyond Jewish community organizations. He is a seasoned consultant on political advocacy issues and annually trains over 500 students to become effective advocates for the social work profession and the diverse communities it serves.

Gary is a passionate advocate for media integrity and an engaging educator. His deep commitment to fostering a well-informed citizenry and his vast experience in advocacy and community leadership make him a compelling and insightful speaker.

Mr. Adrian Garcia

February 14, 2016

With a 35-year career in public service that began as a Houston Police Officer, Mr. Adrian Garcia’s dedication to his community is unparalleled. Appointed by Mayor Lee Brown as Director of the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office, Mr. Garcia was later elected to Houston City Council, where he chaired the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and the Minority/Women Business Enterprise Committee. His peers on City Council confirmed him as Mayor Pro-Tem under Mayor Bill White.

Mr. Garcia’s commitment to public service continued as he was elected Harris County Sheriff, leading the largest sheriff’s office in Texas and the third largest in the United States.

Mr. Adrian Garcia shared with the One with Israel Educational department about his experiences during his travel to Israel and his longstanding support for Israel and the Jewish community with our local community.

His insights and advocacy highlight his dedication to fostering strong support for the Jewish community and Israel.

Rep. Gene Greene

February 21, 2016

Congressman Gene Green served as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 29th congressional district for 13 terms, representing most of eastern Houston and its suburbs as a dedicated member of the Democratic Party. Throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives, Congressman Green focused on critical issues such as education, labor, energy, domestic manufacturing, health care, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and Social Security and veterans’ benefits.

Committed to improving access to quality health care, supporting economic initiatives, enhancing job training programs, and maintaining financial aid for students, Congressman Green has been a tireless advocate for his constituents.

Congressman Green shared his experiences while traveling to Israel and his steadfast support for policies that benefit Israel and the Jewish community with the One with Israel Educational Department.

Rabbi Barry Gelman

March 6, 2016

Rabbi Barry Gelman, with over twenty-five years of experience in pulpit positions, has served esteemed congregations such as the United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Montreal, and Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in New York. Growing up in Oceanside, New York, Rabbi Gelman began his studies at Beit Midrash L’Torah before attending Yeshiva University, and received Rabbinic Ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchonon Theological Seminary.

A dedicated leader, Rabbi Gelman has been a member and Past President of the Rabbinic Advisory Council of State of Israel Bonds and has served on the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America. He is a Board Member of Jewish Family Services Houston, Past President of the Houston Rabbinical Association, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Houston Jewish Federation.

Rabbi Gelman shared his profound insights into Orthodox Judaism with a Christian audience, offering a deeper understanding of his faith and traditions.

Mr. Jerry Greenspan

April 24, 2016

Jerry Greenspan, a seasoned political and fundraising professional with years of experience, shared his expertise with the One with Israel Educational Department.

Drawing from his extensive background, Jerry Greenspan shared with the One with Israel Educational Department his insights on current issues in Israel and the importance of U.S. support for Israel.

His deep understanding of the political landscape and commitment to fostering strong U.S.-Israel relations provide invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Mr. Jonathan Feldstein

May 20, 2016

Jonathan Feldstein, born and educated in the United States, immigrated to Israel in 2004. Throughout his life and career, Jonathan has become a respected bridge between Jews and Christians and currently serves as the president of the Genesis 123 Foundation.

Jonathan is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to major Christian websites where he shares his experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He also hosts the popular “Inspiration from Zion” podcast, offering listeners unique insights and inspirational stories from his life in Israel.

Mr. Jeff Lefkowitz

July 22, 2016

Historian and educator, Mr. Jeff Lefkowitz, takes us on a Tour of Post-Biblical and Jewish History. Delve deep into the pivotal moments and influential figures that have shaped Jewish culture and heritage from antiquity to modern times.

Dr. David Breslauer

September 18, 2016

The Negev is home to Ben Gurion University, Israel’s most innovative institution of higher learning and research.

Dedicated to pioneering advancements across various fields, from science and technology to humanities and social sciences. The university embodies the vision of Israel’s founding father, David Ben-Gurion, who dreamed of transforming the Negev region into a thriving center of innovation and development.

Dr. Sheldon Rubenfeld

November 20, 2016

Dr. Sheldon Rubenfeld is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Dr. Rubenfeld is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the American College of Endocrinology. With numerous scientific articles published in medical journals and membership in various professional medical societies, he is a respected figure in his field. Notably, he pioneered the use of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid in Texas.

Dr. Rubenfeld has taught “Healing by Killing: Medicine During the Third Reich” for three years and “Jewish Medical Ethics” for seven years at Baylor College of Medicine. He also created a six-month program at Holocaust Museum Houston on Medicine and the Holocaust, featuring the exhibit “How Healing Becomes Killing: Eugenics, Euthanasia, Extermination” and a series of lectures by distinguished speakers known as The Michael E. DeBakey Medical Ethics Lecture Series.

Yaki Gantz

December 7, 2016

Yaki Gantz, a former secret service agent, is using his unique background to uncover the identities of Holocaust victims buried in unmarked graves across Poland.

In 2004, in the small cemetery of the Polish village of Kszonzenice, Gantz’s past and present converged when he discovered a mass grave marked with 45 anonymous numbers.

Collaborating with Yad Vashem, Gantz successfully identified many Jewish victims in several mass graves.

Gantz shared with the One With Israel department about his dedication to uncovering the past and honoring the memories of Holocaust victims by preserving history and ensuring that the stories of those lost are never forgotten.