Keynote Speaker
Gil Troy
Gil Troy is a distinguished scholar in North American history at McGill University, currently living in Jerusalem. He is an award-winning American presidential historian, leading Zionist activist, and best-selling author. He has written The Age of Clinton: America in the 1990s, Moynihan’s Moment: America’s Fight against Zionism as Racism, and The Zionist Ideas: Visions for the Jewish Homeland—Then, Now, Tomorrow, which was a 2019 National Jewish Book Award Finalist. His new book, co-authored with human rights activist Natan Sharansky, Never Alone: Prison, Politics and My People, was recently published by Public Affairs of Hachette. Troy has appeared as a featured commentator on CNN’s popular multipart documentaries, The Eighties, The Nineties, and The 2000s. Additionally, he chairs Taglit-Birthright Israel's International Education Committee.
2023 Community Reception
TOWN HALL
1119 8th AVENUE
SEATTLE, WA
MAY 23, 2023
5:30 PM Doors Open
5:45 PM Reception Begins
(both VIP and general)
Enjoy a delicious assortment of Israeli-style appetizers, Israeli wines, and soft drinks. Dietary laws observed.
7:00 PM Program
This event is sold out!
Please email
events@standwithus.com
with any questions.
SPECIAL HONOREE:
Becky Benaroya
Becky Benaroya is a philanthropist and pillar of the Seattle community. Over many decades, she and her husband Jack z”l have enhanced the lives of millions of people through their generous support of worthy organizations in the Jewish community, as well as in the arts, education, medical research, and human services. A proud Jew and lifelong Zionist, Becky has invested in StandWithUs because she has seen our track record of impact in middle and high schools, universities, and communities. We are exceptionally grateful for her support.
DAVID BRUMER AWARD HONOREES:
Robert Amkraut
Robert Amkraut serves on the StandWithUs national board and on the StandWithUs Northwest regional board, for which he is past president. As president, he provided expert guidance and support during a time of organizational growth and transition. Originally from Northern California, Robert moved to Seattle from Israel in 1988. Until his recent retirement, Robert was a partner at Fox Rothschild, a national law firm with a practice group focussed on Israel. Having spent significant time in Israel, and from a family with deep Zionist roots, Robert has always felt close to Israel and wanted to support its people, leading to his active involvement in both StandWithUs and AIPAC. Robert and his wife Polly have a daughter and two sons.
Robert Wilkes z”l
Robert Wilkes z”l, who passed away in 2022, will be honored posthumously. Robert was a passionate advocate for Israel who spent 12 years as an active member of StandWithUs Northwest’s board, helping to grow our organization from a start-up to a valued community institution. He was extremely well-read and enjoyed the open exchange of ideas.
Robert joined the U.S. Navy in 1966. Fascinated by airplanes, he entered pilot training, earning his Navy wings in 1968. He served in Vietnam aboard the USS Constellation and flew 100 combat missions, receiving 18 medals for heroism. Later in life, he ran his own marketing communications and design consulting firm. A gifted writer, orator, visual designer, and loving father and husband, Robert made a significant mark on the world. He is truly missed.
Thank you to Alayne and Bobby Sulkin for sponsoring 100 student tickets.