Author: Matthew Vulpis

Genesis Friends for Life Launches Charity Auction to Support October 7th Victims and Their Families

Over the past 13 months, aid for those affected by the devastating October 7th attacks has poured into Israel in a variety of shapes and forms. Physical support, such as resources and donations, has been generously provided to alleviate the distress brought about by the gruesome assault. At the same time, millions around the world have contributed emotional support by keeping those afflicted in their thoughts, prayers, and blessings.

At an enterprise level, philanthropic efforts have arisen in a variety of displays. For instance, the Genesis Friends for Life Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit registered in the U.S. and part of the Genesis Business Humanity family of companies, created the Doran Grant for Life program. Named in honor of Doron Aviman, the program provides Israeli orphans, widows, and their families with the vital help and support they need to heal and thrive.

However, for all the good that these gracious endeavors have already accomplished, the implications of these appalling attacks are still felt by those in Israel. There’s still more that can be done to help the men, women, and children impacted by the conflict and to allow them to regain normalcy in their everyday lives.

The Genesis Friends for Life Foundation knows this, which is why they are proud to announce the launch of its exclusive online charity auction as an impactful fundraising initiative, open now through November 21st, 2024. 100% of the proceeds raised through the auction, which is accessible at gffl.afrogs.org, will directly benefit orphans and widows affected by the devastating events of October 7th, 2023.

“Our charity auction is more than a fundraising event; it is a beacon of solidarity and a tangible step toward healing for these families,” said Genesis Founder Amiel David Aviman. “In supporting this auction, Genesis members are upholding the intrinsic values that are the cornerstone of our community.”

The Genesis Friends for Life Foundation invites Genesis Business Humanity Club members to bid on a range of coveted items, with each auction item offering bidders a unique way to contribute to this vital cause. The items include one-of-a-kind artworks by renowned artists and autographed entertainment media by popular personalities, such as John Travolta, Frank Sinatra, and others.

On top of this, the auction will include hand-signed sports collectibles and memorabilia comprising iconic athletes such as Mike Tyson and Arnold Palmer. Luxury vacations and unique travel experiences will also be available for bidding, with trips to Hawaii, Paris, Ireland, and other extraordinary destinations available to win.

“Each remarkable item provided by our members and supporters not only demonstrates the spirit of giving within our community but also presents an opportunity for us to leave a lasting impact,” Amiel stated.

Hosted by founders Amiel David Aviman and Ranny Yarom, the auction acts as an extension of the organization’s mission to provide lasting support and compassion to those enduring loss and hardship. The proceeds from this auction will sustain the Doron Grant for Life, which was founded on the belief that every child and widow deserves dignity, hope, and the opportunity for a fulfilling future.

As a program committed to fostering resilience and opportunity for families who have lost their loved ones, the Doron Grant for Life funds educational opportunities, counseling, and essential support services, empowering victims to reclaim their futures with confidence and stability.

This auction leads to the One Year Memorial Gala, which will be held on November 21st, 2024. The gala will bring together Genesis Business Humanity Club members to honor the memories of those lost and reinforce the community’s commitment to extending support to the affected families. It will be an evening of reflection, remembrance, and renewed purpose.

“By participating, Genesis members and supporters are doing more than acquiring cherished collectibles; they’re investing in the futures of orphans and widows whose lives were shattered on October 7th,” Amiel continued.

For more information on the charity auction, the Doron Grant for Life, and to view auction items, please visit Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation or go directly to the auction at gffl.afrogs.org.

November 11, 2024
Israeli Superstar Ben El To Perform at the Genesis Friends for Life Memorial Gala in Miami on November 21

Today, the Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation announced that they have expanded its Celebrity Ambassadors program with the addition of one of Israel’s most popular musical artists, Ben El Tavori.

“We are incredibly honored to welcome Ben El to our Friends for Life Advisory Board and are deeply grateful for his generosity as he invites his millions of followers and fans to learn more about and support our mission,” said Amiel David Aviman, Co-founder Managing Partner, and Chairman of the Board of Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation, which is headquartered in Miami.

Tavori is well known as one-half of the highly successful duo Static, having brought the celebrity pedigree and golden voice to the act as the son of the famous Israeli singer Shimi Tavori. His childhood included being a part of the short-lived reality TV show, “The Tavori’s.” Ben El split with his musical partner Static in 2021 but has since earned acclaim for his extensive solo material.

As a celebrity ambassador, Ben El will showcase his musical talents and strong connection to Israel’s musical and cultural scene when he performs live on November 21 in Miami Beach for Genesis Friends for Life’s One Year Memorial Gala Event.

“When I was approached by Amiel and learned about the incredible work the team in Israel is doing on the ground and learned about the first few families who are benefitting, I immediately agreed to contribute what I can,” Ben El said. “I am humbly honored to join the Friends for Life team and look forward to performing on The Temple House stage as part of the Memorial and Gala this November.”

His performance promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the evening, representing Friends for Life and raising support for orphans and widows impacted by the horrific attacks on October 7 with the same passion that has made him a beloved figure in the music industry.

“This One Year Memorial Gala is not just a tribute to those impacted, but a way forward for those who were and continue to be affected by this tragedy,” said Eli Chalfon, co-founder and Managing Partner of Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation. “Ben El’s presence and performance are very meaningful, and his global following beyond the November 21 event will help us raise support for years to come.”

Together with the Foundation’s first two celebrity ambassadors, Yaakov-Zada Daniel (award-winning star of the Netflix hit Fauda) and Omer Hazan (known for Al Techaki, The Engineer, Asfur, and other film and television roles), who were named celebrity ambassadors in February, Ben El will be a lend his heart and voice to the cause, including sharing stories of the orphans and widows whose lives are being transformed through the kindness of sponsors, donors and other supporters.

“Both stars attended last year’s event on October 26 at RED South Beach,” said Ranny Yarom, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Friends for Life and head of operations on the ground in Israel. “The support and involvement of such influential public figures significantly amplifies awareness, ultimately leading to more significant funding and aid for orphans affected by these tragedies.”

Along with the celebrity appearances, the first recipients of the Foundations’ Doran Grant for Life program, who are already benefiting from the generous support, and the first family, including a mother and her four children, will be in attendance on November 21.

The Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation hopes that with the help of Bel El, they’ll be able to host another successful fundraiser to change the lives of Israelis affected by the conflict for the better.

Overall, with the support and encouragement from celebrities like Tavori, Friends for Life looks to substantially aid more families, like the recipients of the Doran Grant for Life program, through troubling and challenging times.

“All the funds raised from this event will enable these children to have a high-quality education with consistent emotional support and development for personal growth and will ensure they enter their adult lives financially independent and strongly supported in their communities,” said Dr. Lior Aviman, CEO of Genesis Friends for Life, an NGO in Israel. Sponsorships and tickets are available here.

October 23, 2024
Award-Winning Turnaround Attorney and Entrepreneur Aaron Hammer Builds Community and Brings New Life to Troubled Corporates

The Genesis Business Humanity (BH) Club is proud to spotlight Aaron Hammer, an active and distinguished Genesis Board Executive and Genesis Club Member with a background as a highly respected attorney in bankruptcies, turnarounds, and workouts.

With a career already recognized with many industry honors, Aaron is one of the leading corporate restructuring lawyers in the United States, having garnered national recognition as an elite corporate restructuring attorney devoted to solving his client’s most challenging insolvency and creditors’ rights issues for over almost thirty years.

Aaron’s path began with a B.A. in political science from the University of Michigan; a J.D, from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law followed. Aaron would go on to graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors before then being hired as adjunct law professor at the age of 25, the youngest in Northwestern’s School of Law 165-year history.

Concurrent with his adjunct teaching, where he revolutionized the insolvency curriculum by developing three new insolvency classes, Aaron began his legal career as an associate at Mayer Brown LLP. At this global institution, Aaron led the legal team representing the debtor in the complex Chapter 11 proceedings of Lason, Inc. in Delaware, concluding the matter by successfully reorganizing a $200 million annual revenue multinational business in May 2002.

Shortly thereafter, Aaron accepted a position as an equity partner at AmLaw 200 firm Freeborn & Peters LLP, where he would reside for the next seven years and build and lead the firm’s national insolvency practice.

In 2011, Aaron joined Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP as a name partner, leading the firm as chairman of its executive committee and chairman of its bankruptcy, reorganization, and creditor’s rights practice group. Aaron’s then-current firm combined with global AmLaw 100 firm Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton LLP (KTS) in March 2024, and he became a shareholder in its national Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring practice group.

For nearly thirty years now, Aaron has led major engagements on behalf of corporate borrowers, lenders, financiers, and, most notably, bankruptcy committees in hundreds of significant bankruptcies and workouts across the country and in many foreign countries, and he’s not done yet. His most recognizable clients have included Bank of America, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Accenture LLP, Sysco Corporation, AT&T, and many other global and midmarket corporates.

In 2015, Aaron served as President of the Turnaround Management Association’s (TMA) Chicago/Midwest Chapter. He continues to champion the chapter’s Executive Speaker Forum (ESF), leading initiatives dedicated to the corporate turnaround community locally and globally.

Aaron is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and served for five years on YPO Chicagoland’s board of directors and as its membership officer. In this role, Aaron helped identify future business leaders destined to impact organizations and communities, doubling the chapter’s membership ranks.

In 2018, Aaron led the turnaround of one of America’s top steakhouses, RED, the Steakhouse in Miami Beach, preserving this institution and saving 80 jobs. Aaron and his team were awarded the TMA’s Small Business Turnaround of the Year for this achievement. Aaron currently manages RED’s restaurant operations, business development, and strategy and is an active investor and partner in numerous other restaurants and hospitality concepts, including Chicago, Smyth, a three-star Michelin gem and one of the world’s very best restaurants.

With a unique ability to combine strict legal advice with business-oriented solutions, Aaron is known for his ability to cut through the noise, using an analytical approach to make it easier to weigh the merits of any business situation and quickly reach the most efficient solution.

Aaron has been described as a dealmaker and consensus builder who develops loyalty among colleagues and clients by all those he’s worked with throughout his career. This recognition has culminated in Aaron’s founding and leadership of Deal Symposium Company and its Midmarket Deal Makers Symposium, bringing scores of top dealmakers from around the world to South Florida for professional learning, networking, and team-building activities. As one of Genesis BH Club’s initial supporters, we are thrilled to share Aaron’s remarkable story as he continues to make a difference for his clients and enterprises of all sizes and industries as a truly outstanding attorney and distinguished business leader.

September 17, 2024
Dramatic Rise in Antisemitism in the US Including College Campuses

Author, Activist and Genesis BH Club Member Jeff Meshel on Tracking Antisemitic Threats in the US

The number of threats centered on antisemitism and shared on social media have grown 20 times since the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, according to information shared by The Clarion Project, a non-profit that scours social media for threats.

Jeff Meshel, a Member of Genesis Business Humanity Club, sits on the Board of this very effective organization which works with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to identify impending dangers and share the data they collect using a platform developed and continually evolved by their tech team, which came from the National Security Administration (NSA).

Jeff Meshel, Author, Speaker, Investor, and Board Member, The Clarion Project

“Given the clear and present danger of continued hate speech and violence against Jews in the US and around the world, the work of The Clarion Project is more critical than ever,” Meshel said. The head of their tech team was credited with destroying the al-Qaeda media machine and driving the pursuit of Osama Bin Laden, enabling the US military to take out one of the world’s most notorious and dangerous terrorists.

Via the Clarion Intelligence Network (CIN), the primary mission center of Clarion Project, focuses on US-based violent extremists that present a danger to the public regardless of their ideological affiliation and the targets of their violence.

CIN utilizes state-of-the-art Open-source intelligence (OSINT) technology to rapidly identify threats; individuals that show the capability and intent to harm others.

CIN creates OSINT evidence packages that document these threats in detail and then provides these packages to law enforcement agencies through their standard tip intake process. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies simultaneously receive packages from CIN when the location of the threat is known.

“There are dangerous groups coalescing and the threats are very real, domestically exasperated by our porous borders,” Meshel explained. “The Clarion Project is aligned with the FBI and when there is impending danger they are notified. In fact, over the last two years The Clarion Project discovered 169 threats for school shootings, most recently preventing what could have been a deadly attack in Texas. They are now sensing dramatically growing antisemitic activities and continuing to enhance the efforts of the FBI and local authorities through real time intelligence that could have prevented attacks on synagogues over the last few years, for example.”

Pro-Palestinian protests at UC Berkley

According to recent posts, in March, UC Berkeley launched a hate crime investigation after a protest against an Israeli speaker, with two Jewish students facing antisemitism and physical battery. A criminal suspect was identified for trespassing, alongside a separate discrimination investigation by the university’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination. The protest, involving around 200 demonstrators, led to the event’s cancellation after unauthorized entry, prioritizing speaker, and audience safety.

“With protests on major campuses continuing to grow out of control,” Meshel said, “and with evidence that outside agitators are taking advantage of the war in Gaza and disinformation about the dynamics in Palestine, they are driving dangerous activities to grab the attention of the media. Not only must we protect our Jewish communities, but we must also protect all Americans by standing up for our very principles, with a clear distinction between hate speech and free speech.”

Richard Green, CEO of The Clarion Project

Richard Green, CEO of The Clarion Project, was interviewed on The Parsha Podcast, has devoted his life to Jewish Community outreach, and combines that with his passion for protecting people’s lives.

Another prominent non-profit, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), wrote in their 2023 Annual Report that anti-Semitic incidents had been increasing before the war erupted in October, and that the conflict had fueled “a fire that was already out of control.”

Jointly written with Tel Aviv University, the report said anti-Semitic incidents in 2023 were far above 2022 figures in most countries with large Jewish minorities, including the United States, France, Britain, Australia, Italy, Brazil and Mexico.

The publication of the report coincides with Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel.

Jonathan Greenblatt, Director, Anti-Defamantion League

“The aftermath of Hamas’s horrific attack on Israel on October 7th was followed by a tsunami of hate against Jewish communities worldwide,” Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the New York-based ADL, said.

“This year’s report is incredibly alarming, with documented unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism, including in the US, where 2023 saw the highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in the US ever recorded by ADL.”

The ADL’s data recorded 7,523 incidents of anti-Semitism in the United States in 2023 compared with 3,697 incidents in 2022.

These acts included harassment, vandalism, and assault, targeting Jewish-owned businesses, Jewish institutions and organizations and Jewish students.

Under a broader methodology that includes anti-Zionist rhetoric, activism and calls for “resistance,” the ADL found a total of 8,873 incidents in the United States in 2023 — 5,204 between just October 7 and the end of the year.

Professor Uriya Shavit of Tel Aviv University

Professor Uriya Shavit of Tel Aviv University wrote in the report that “if current trends continue, the curtain will descend on the ability to lead Jewish lives in the West — to wear a Star of David, attend synagogues and community centers, send kids to Jewish schools, frequent a Jewish club on campus, or speak Hebrew.”

“Organizations like The Clarion Project and ADL and others deserve the full support of all people who care about religious and other freedoms,” Meshel said.

“We must be vigilant and active, and with their extraordinary intelligence – their software platform – their experienced and committed team, under David Green’s leadership, The Clarion Project will continue to make a meaningful difference.”

May 6, 2024
Empowering Patient Care and Continuous Learning: Dr. Ira Fedder’s Impactful Journey

Ira Fedder, a dignified new member of Genesis Business Humanity (BH) Club, is an esteemed fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with over four decades of experience treating patients. With expertise in spinal surgery and orthopedics, throughout his career, Fedder has focused on perioperative outcomes and long-term fusion success for those with lumbar degenerative cases, aiming to achieve maximum benefit with the least disruption to the body.

Fedder brings with him a vast array of knowledge, with an education that includes a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland and a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University in 1981. He continued his education, receiving an MD degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1986. He completed a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery (University of Maryland) and a fellowship in Spine Surgery at St. Joseph Medical Center in 1991.

Through his studies and his practice, Fedder has gained insight and experience into all aspects of spine and neck problems, including the treatment of arm pain, cervical disc herniations, myelopathy, cervical stenosis, leg pain and weakness, lumbar stenosis, sciatica, lumbar disc herniations, tumors, and infections. Dr. Fedder also studied and lectured on diverse subjects, including Biomechanics, Bone substitutes, Bioactive implants, Nanotechnology in implant design, nutrition, osteoporosis, and regenerative medicine techniques.

Fedder participated in managing Towson Orthopaedic Associates as well as the Spine Center. He was co-director of the Fellowship program and has participated in the education of over 40 spine surgeons. He was affiliated with numerous prestigious medical institutions, such as UM Upper Chesapeake Health, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, and Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He was board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Surgery; however, he is now retired in good standing.

Dr. Fedder’s commitment to advancing spinal surgery techniques and his dedication to improving patient outcomes have established him as a respected figure in the field. His contributions to research and practice reflect his passion for optimizing surgical approaches and enhancing the quality of patient care in orthopedic and spinal surgery specialties.

Dr Fedder co-founded NeuroSpine Ventures (NSV). NSV is a group of independent investors who invest in early-stage companies, primarily in the MedTech space. Overall, Dr Fedder’s commitment to providing every one of his patients with unique and well-informed medical experience mirrors Genesis BH Club’s own continued commitment to making a lasting impact by solving society’s toughest challenges through collaboration with our strongest innovators, such as Dr. Fedder.

Listen to Dr. Ira Fedder discuss the Donald O Fedder Memorial Fellowship for The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy – Giving Month in this video:

April 16, 2024
Introducing Jeffrey Meshel: An Exemplar of Business, Philanthropy, and Community Building

Jeffrey Meshel, a new Genesis Business Humanity (BH) Club member, is an accomplished businessman with over thirty years of experience across numerous industries and verticals. Whether in real estate, networking, or even symphonic music, Meshel has managed to create an everlasting impact in every sector through his actions and entrepreneurial spirit.

Meshel’s journey began at the NYU Stern School of Business, where he obtained a bachelor of science in finance. From there, Meshel wasted no time, holding prominent positions at a variety of significant organizations over the next 20 years after his graduation. Then, using the knowledge he collected during his time in president and chair positions, Meshel pivoted towards founder and entrepreneurial endeavors, where he has left his most notable mark.

Meshel’s achievements as a founder and entrepreneur have been nothing short of outstanding, facilitating the creation of multiple organizations that aid consumers on a daily basis. For instance, in 2000, Meshel founded The Strategic Forum, an organization of business leaders from diverse backgrounds dedicated to the exchange of ideas, which offers powerful resources for growth, advancement, and fulfillment.

Meshel also founded DivorceForce, driven by his own personal experiences. With only the idea of helping people in mind, Meshel created DivorceForce to provide a safe and supportive community designed to assist those affected as they navigate through the stages of divorce by facilitating connections with experts in relevant professions.

As a member of Genesis BH Club, Meshel has effortlessly used his status and capital to enhance the lives of the people around him and his community. His philanthropic undertakings have been wide-ranging and are a testament to his unwavering dedication to innovation, community, and the art of fostering enduring connections in the business world and beyond.

Most notably, Meshel channels his passion for community growth through his current involvement as a respected board member of the CPR Foundation, contributing to fostering positive police-community relations. Apart from this, outside of his business endeavors, Meshel is an accomplished author whose books help people unlock their true potential and become the best version of themselves, personally and professionally. Ultimately, Meshel’s “Don’t ask what is in it for me-ask how I can help you?” mentality has pushed him never to stop striving when attempting to aid his communities. As a respected member of Genesis BH Club, Meshel has continued to embody and demonstrate daily the belief that when we combine our strengths and support innovators who aim to solve society’s most significant challenges, we can make a lasting difference.

April 15, 2024
The Rewired Mind: Kristen Connell’s Key to Transformational Excellence

Kristen Connell, the founder of the Rewired Mind, is a heart-centered mental performance coach who has developed her own cutting-edge process leveraging neuroscience.

She creates rapid results by targeting the root cause of any emotional or mental stressors. Her expertise is her capacity to then resolve, rewire, and recode the mind and body, creating emotional resiliency, focus, and power. Her process culminates in an up-leveling of mindset, energy, and attitude.

Connell’s “Rewired” journey began as she embarked on a comprehensive mission to discover and implement solutions for health challenges in her own family. She credits her two amazing children as the biggest driver and inspiration for her relentless pursuit to do so.

With this experience, she acquired knowledge, education, and training, which drove her to help others with their own challenges. Connell has emerged as a leading expert in the field of personal transformation, giving access to the ground-breaking method to companies, professionals, and private clients around the globe. This is congruent with Connell’s mission to empower everyone to create a new life story, as she believes everyone holds the key to unlocking mental freedom, clarity, and harmony in all aspects of life.

Connell’s work is displayed through various channels, such as being featured in New York Weekly, a bestselling author, and appearing in the documentary Beyond Limitations about the mind’s boundless potential and transformational power. She also partakes in public events as a keynote speaker, mistress of ceremony, and distinguished participant, with an upcoming appearance at the Genesis Business Humanity Annual Meeting.

The Genesis BH Club is a consolidated network of industry leaders and executives providing growth opportunities for ground-breaking technologies. Their annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 13th, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Kristen Connell is the opening speaker for the conference.

Connell has a mission aligned with Genesis in that both Connell and the club are actively aiming to tackle some of society’s most significant challenges. Through her time at the Annual Meeting and in cooperation with Genesis BH Club, Connell will be able to anchor in her process, creating a healing legacy in all human aspects.

Overall, whether it is through individual efforts or in collaboration with groups such as Genesis BH Club, Connell has created a space for transformational excellence for her clients to find emotional resiliency, focus, and power. This is a multi-dimensional quality that impacts our entire biology and psychology in our personal and professional relationships.

April 15, 2024
This Giving Tuesday, We Stand with the Orphans, Widows, Children, and Families in Israel: Please Join Us!

As the world turns the calendar page from November to December, citizens everywhere shift their holiday focus from the season of thankfulness to the season of giving. Encompassing holidays such as Chanukah, Christmas, Boxing Day, and Kwanaza, the giving season is highlighted by spreading good wishes and positive energy by collectively focusing on generosity and supporting those who are in need.

Following on the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, Genesis Business Humanity Group held an event at RED South Beach and brought together our community in Florida, and raised funds to help orphans, widows, children, families, and communities start to heal and move forward.

Today, we are providing “grants for life,” which support orphans in Israel through emotional, educational, and financial, and paragraph on the event GFFL did on the 26 after the horrific events, and that GFFL is focusing on “grant for life” program to support orphans in Israel providing life-long emotional, educational, career development, and financial support.

For us at the Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation, Giving Tuesday is already one of the most critical days of the year as we look to generate funds for a variety of causes around the globe. However, this year’s Giving Tuesday carries extra sentiment for us, as the sudden outbreak of violence in Israel has been, and still is, devastating for so many.

Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and who are suffering, as we are guided by our faith, unity, and humanity to alleviate suffering and provide immediate resources through this crisis. That’s why this year, for Giving Tuesday, our mission is to comfort and support orphans, widows, children, and families in Israel.

We here at the Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation have already taken steps on our own to achieve this mission. For example, roughly four months ago, we supported another celebration of Bar & Bat Mitzvah for 30 orphans with Rabbi Dalfin at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Together with Rabbi Dalfin, this celebration at the Western Wall is just one of many ways in which Genesis contributes and supports the growth and development of those who have faced difficult circumstances.

Furthermore, we are a proud supporter of The Simcha connection run by Rabbi Dalfin. The Simcha Connection has contributed more than USD 2 million in food to Orphans’ families and supported the bar & bat mitzvahs for more than 2000 boys and girls. We consider it an honor to do this alongside Rabbi Dalfin, who has dedicated his whole life to serving & supporting those in need.

Unfortunately, there is still more to be done when it comes to mitigating the damage and destruction and aiding those affected the most, which is why we are using this Giving Tuesday to ask citizens for help in any form possible.

Whether through donating or volunteering, by working with our Genesis Business Humanity Board of Directors and Membership, and with long-standing philanthropic partners, you can help us continue to focus on supporting the widows, children, orphans, and families to rebuild homes and communities following this horrific attack. One hundred percent of the money raised this Giving Tuesday by Genesis Friends For Life Global Foundation will directly benefit those in Israel who need our support the most at this moment.

The act of giving can come in many forms for both consumers and enterprises alike, but one such method that has gained a great amount of traction in recent years has been participating in Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday, often described as a global day of giving or a global generosity movement, has been held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving since 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation.

The day was started as a way of simply encouraging people to donate and do good, but the unofficial holiday grew so rapidly that in 2019, Giving Tuesday spun out into its own organization, led by Giving Tuesday co-founder Asha Curran, as its CEO. This year, Giving Tuesday comes on November 28th, with the next two years of Giving Tuesday falling later, within the first week of December.

The day of global giving, though only a little over a decade old, is already one of the most successful days of the year when it comes to fundraising money for numerous charities. Just two years ago, in 2021, USD 2.7 billion was raised in the U.S. alone, with 2022 proving to be even more fruitful. Giving Tuesday raised USD 3.1 billion, a 15 percent increase, with over 35 million people participating and donating in some form, a six percent increase as well between 2022 and 2023.

While this day is important for individuals and charities around the world, it is extremely important for non-profit organizations looking to drive attention to their cause among a larger audience. Giving Tuesday presents non-profits with a host of opportunities; as with the unofficial holiday now commonly known among the general public, it’s the perfect chance for non-profits to highlight their missions, solicit donations, increase visibility, and gain new supporters.

However, while Giving Tuesday is important to non-profits for various reasons, it’s important to remember the key benefit of participation is the amplified giving that can come with a movement and using the concentrated effort to create a sense of urgency to donate, and overall generate publicity for causes, charities, and people who need the help the most. To help us on our mission of aiding those affected by the conflict in Israel, click here to donate and make a lasting impact on someone who truly needs support this giving season.

November 28, 2023
Member Spotlight: Elior Peles Bring Scientific and Academic Experience and Excellence to the Club

Elior Peles, respected researcher, teacher, and author, was one of the early Members of the Genesis Business Humanity Club and is a perfect example of what makes our global group different and effective.

As founder and leader of the Peles Lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, Elior received his BSc and MSc degrees in biology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After completing his studies towards a PhD in biochemistry at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Elior moved to California to take a Group Leader position at Sugen Inc. in California.

Sugen went public in October 1994, and in 1997 filed its first Investigational New Drug (IND) application, for a PDGFR inhibitor. SU5416 (Semaxanib) and SU6668 went into clinical trials for colon cancer in 1999. SU5416 proceeded to Phase 3 trials, while the follow-on compound, SU11248 (Sunitinib) was later approved for human use, and a related compound SU11654 (Toceranib) was approved for canine tumors.

Sugen was acquired by Pharmacia & Upjohn in 1999 in a stock swap valued at $650 million, and in December 1999, Pharmacia & Upjohn merged with Monsanto. The company was renamed Pharmacia in 2002. Pharmacia was then acquired by Pfizer in April 2003.

In 1997, Elior returned to the Department of Molecular Cell Biology at the Weizmann Institute of Science. He headed this department from 2010-2014 and served as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology from 2014-2021.

He is the incumbent of the Hanna Hertz Professorial Chair for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroscience. His lab studies the molecular mechanisms underlying axon-glia interactions and myelination by Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes.

The Peles Lab today is continuing research on Myelin, an insulating membrane sheath produced by specialized glial cells; Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). It enables fast and efficient nerve conduction and provides essential trophic support to maintain axonal integrity and survival.

Destruction of myelin leads to several neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and is also associated with psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Our lab combines molecular, biochemical, and advanced light and electron microscopy techniques to study the various aspects of myelinating glial cells and the mechanisms that enable them to form one of the most complex structures found in nature.

Three projects include:

Axon-glia Communication

The formation and maintenance of myelinated nerve fibers requires reciprocal communication between Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes with their associated axons. We are using various molecular approaches to identify the axonal signals that enable Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes to ensheath the axons they contact and to myelinate them.

PNS and CNS myelination

Myelinating glia undergo dramatic morphological changes to generate large, specialized membrane extensions that warp around the axon. These substantial morphological changes require extensive reorganization of the cytoskeleton. We are studying the role of cytoskeletal adaptor proteins which link extracellular signals to the intracellular machinery that controls myelin formation.

Organization of myelinated axons

The physiology of myelinated nerves depends on the organization of the axonal membrane into distinct domains which contain different ion channels. This exquisite molecular organization of the axon is controlled by the overlying Schwann cells or oligodendrocyes. We are using different molecular and genetic approaches to reveal how myelinating glia shapes the membrane of the axons they wrap.

The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions in the natural and exact sciences. It is in Rehovot, Israel, just south of Tel Aviv. It was initially established as the Daniel Sieff Institute in 1934, by Israel and Rebecca Sieff of London in memory of their son Daniel. In 1949, it was renamed for Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the first President of the State of Israel, and Founder of the Institute.

When Elior is not researching, teaching, traveling, or participating in Genesis Club initiatives, Ori (as he is also known) is an enthusiastic triathlete, so outside of the lab you can often find him swimming, cycling, and running.

We are honored to have Professor Peles as a Member of the Club, especially given to his devotion to discovering and developing cellular-biology-based technologies that reduce suffering, and improve lives.

July 18, 2023
GENESIS COMPANY Spotlight: Yaniv BenHaim Founder and CEO of New Photonics
With cloud growth surging, the impact of Generative AI, and the future of quantum computing growing closer to reality, hyperscale data centers are under pressure to support real time computing at a scale many could never have imagined.

The cloud computing market value reached USD 545.8 billion in 2022, but experts predict the market will grow at a CAGR of 17.9 percent, with estimates putting the market value at USD 1,240.9 billion by the end of 2027.

The rapid growth in cloud computing is breaking all records, and outpacing even the most optimistic growth forecasts, as more cloud devices and applications require higher-speed computational power.

The rising cost of energy has magnified the problem as cloud computing giants including AWS, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Alibaba, and other major players around the world.

Furthermore, hyperscale data centers are harming the environment and facing increasing regulatory pressure to reduce carbon emissions and the consumption of electricity. For both financial and sustainability reasons, cloud computing enterprises have increasingly begun to look for ways to be more energy efficient, and among the most promising new technologies os silicon photonic (SiPh), all-optic processing chips.

SiPh all-optic chips can help enable, extend, and increase data transmissions, as well as facilitate all-optical computing. This method uses light waves produced by lasers or incoherent sources for data processing, data storage or data communication for computing, which offers advantages such as low power consumption, high computational speed, large information storage, and inherent parallelism that cannot be rivaled by its electronic counterpart.

NewPhotonics Inc, a fabless chip startup and developer of a silicon photonic alternative to Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology used in most of today’s integrated circuits, has been funded in part by Genesis Business Humanity Club, and continues to receive guidance and business development support from team.

Their first-in-market optical gearbox, supporting the demand for 224G and 448G per lane signaling rates required for AI-based applications, including the explosive Generative AI domain, and other data intensive compute.

Established in 2020, with funding from AWZ Ventures, the European Innovation Council, the Israeli Innovation Authority, NextLeap Ventures, Trirec VC, Vahoca and the founding team, NewPhotonics has created a breakthrough micro processing photonic chip with the potential to immediately solve the most acute challenge hyperscale data center operators and others face.

The growth in energy consumption and inability to scale to meet demand is well-documented, and with an All-Optic chip that works within existing infrastructure, replacement of power-hungry and costly electronic chips has arrived.

The company has been developing a range of chips which will dramatically reduce energy consumption, increase the speed of processing massive amounts of data, and lower operating costs for OEMs, data center operators, and cloud and network service providers.

“NewPhotonics products enable end-to-end optical connectivity, significantly reduce power consumption, and address the pressing need to address exponential data rate growth and high processing power demands for AI applications, all at a lower total cost of ownership,” said Founder and CEO Yaniv BenHaim, who is also an active Member of Genesis Club. “Our approach will make a substantial contribution to reversing climate change, while supporting advanced innovations including generative AI applications, and will unlock value to the global tech community for decades to come. We are just at the beginning of this revolution, and proud to be pioneers, with over 50 patents in process.”

New Photonics silicon technology represents an all-optic paradigm shift with fabless chips by using photons versus electrons. The benefits are significant:
- Speed of Light performance
- 80% cost reduction
- 50%-90% energy savings
- Designed to easily scale
- Future proof approach
- Uses existing infrastructure
- Matures existing foundries
New Photonics has the potential to save 400 thousand metric tons of CO2e by 2027 during the initial market entry period, by replacing just a fraction of the chips in the market, according to studies conducted by the company.

Scaling to 1.6 GBps is challenging, but New Photonics has met that challenge with technology that works with existing infrastructure, including 112G/224G PAM4 SERDES and 112G/224G optical Modulators and PDs, while reducing power consumption. Their products can run in existing mechanics (OSFP-XD/1600), and their ultra-high bandwidth PiC design is based on CPO Chip-to-Chip communications, with 3.2Tbps single light sources and proprietary signal modulation.

The global silicon photonics market reached USD 1.49 billion by the end of 2022, with experts estimating a CAGR of 23.23 percent, bringing the predicted market value to USD 3.44 billion by 2026. However, with the cloud also set to grow, these numbers may certainly increase, and cloud computing organizations continue to adopt and implement SiPh technology to reduce energy consumption, for both their own, and the environment’s benefit.
July 18, 2023