In a world still reeling from the trauma of October 7, the Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation is lighting a path forward—uniting communities around healing, remembrance, and hope. This March, the Foundation is hosting two heartfelt events in Florida, bringing together supporters of the global Jewish community for evenings of compassion, connection, and meaningful impact.
From Boca Raton to Miami Beach, these gatherings are more than fundraisers—they are beacons of solidarity for orphans and widows whose lives were shattered by violence. They are also bold affirmations of Jewish pride through the Foundation’s continued sponsorship of the 2025 Maccabiah Games, the largest Jewish athletic event in the world.
Two Nights, One Purpose
The first evening takes place Tuesday, March 25, at the Bocaire Country Club in Boca Raton, followed by a second event on Thursday, March 27, at J’adore on Miami Beach’s iconic Ocean Drive. Each night offers more than cocktails and hors d’oeuvres—it offers a chance to stand with the most vulnerable members of our global family.
Adding to the excitement in Boca Raton, the March 25th event will host three celebrated Paris Olympic medalists as special guests: Inbar Lanir (Judo silver medalist), Raz Hershko (Judo silver medalist), and Timna Nelson-Levy (Judo bronze medalist). Their presence not only honors excellence in sport but also embodies the spirit of resilience and Jewish pride that defines both the Maccabiah Games and the Genesis mission.
Proceeds from these events will directly support:
Orphans and bereaved families impacted by the October 7 attacks, including the 100 orphans sponsored by Genesis Friends for Life to attend the games
The Maccabiah Games, which this July will welcome over 10,000 Jewish athletes from more than 80 countries to Israel
A Bridge Between Remembrance and Resilience
For Genesis Friends for Life, the Maccabiah Games support is about more than athletics. It’s a declaration of identity, unity, and perseverance. As Amiel David Aviman, co-founder of Genesis, shares: “Our mission is rooted in healing the heart of the Jewish people. By standing with both the bereaved and the champions of Jewish continuity, we are bridging grief with hope and helping to build a better future.”
That bridge—between sorrow and strength—is the essence of Genesis. Whether aiding children in need or celebrating the power of Jewish heritage on the global stage, the Foundation stands firm in its dual commitment to remembrance and resilience.
Co-founder Ranny Yarom echoes this conviction: “Supporting the Maccabiah is a way to honor Jewish perseverance while we care for those who are grieving. Both efforts reflect who we are.”
Hope That Moves Us Forward
The Foundation’s sponsorship of the Maccabiah Games is not just about sports—it’s a message to every Jewish child, parent, and community member: You are not alone. From the legacy of Olympic champions to the quiet courage of grieving families, this moment is about honoring life and holding each other up.
We at Genesis Greater Good are proud to share this message. We believe that healing comes when we gather—not just to mourn but to move forward together.
On October 7, 2023, the world bore witness to unspeakable acts of violence that changed lives forever. Among the many stories of devastation and courage to emerge from that day, the story of one family in Sderot stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. One Sabbath in Sderot, a short documentary film presented by Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation, captures the harrowing reality of that day and the unwavering strength of those who survived.
In the city of Sderot, located near the Gaza border, the Megira family’s lives were forever altered by the loss of a devoted husband and loving father, Avi Megira. The documentary, directed with deep sensitivity and respect for the family’s experience, recounts the events of that morning through firsthand testimonies, capturing the raw emotion, fear, and faith that guided them through the ordeal.
Mr. Megira’s son, Shaked, recounts that his father rode a motorcycle as a hobby and often went on Saturday morning motorcycle trips with a group of bikers. On October 7, 2023, his father went on a trip with his group. As they were leaving Sderot, they encountered Hamas terrorists riding in pickup trucks. The terrorists shot Avi in the head, killing him and several other bikers, and continued into the city of Sderot on a planned killing spree.
They shot everyone in their path as they drove toward the Sderot police station and nearby residential buildings. The terrorists took control of the police station. After a prolonged battle, a tank arrived and fired several shells at the station, finally managing to overpower and neutralize the terrorists.
Following the terrible circumstances forced onto the Megira family, the documentary follows the commemoration of Avi Megira and the impact war has had on Michal, the mother and widow, and her children Ori, Ilai, Shalev, and Shaked.
At Genesis Greater Good, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, foster understanding, and honor those who endure the unimaginable. One Sabbath in Sderot does more than recount tragedy—it highlights a community’s resilience that refuses to be defined by violence.
Through intimate interviews and powerful visuals, the film sheds light on one family’s suffering and speaks to the broader reality faced by countless individuals impacted by the events of October 7. It is a story of survival, a story of faith, and a story that demands to be told.
Genesis Friends for Life has long been dedicated to supporting survivors, providing aid, and ensuring these stories are not forgotten. By sharing One Sabbath in Sderot with the world, they seek to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and offer a platform for healing.
The message is clear for those who watch the documentary: behind every headline, human lives are forever changed. We must listen, remember, and support those rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of devastation.
We invite you to watch One Sabbath in Sderot and join us in honoring the resilience of this family and the many others who continue to stand firm in the face of adversity. To learn more about the film and the efforts of Genesis Friends for Life, visit Genesis Friends for Life. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard, their pain is acknowledged, and their courage is celebrated.
Join us in making a difference. Your support helps us continue our vital work for those in need. Donate today!
The Genesis Business Humanity Club is proud to welcome Yonel Devico, a trailblazer in the financial sector and a visionary leader, as its newest member. Yonel’s story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, from his academic achievements to his rise as a prominent figure in the world of finance and real estate.
Yonel’s journey began with a deep dedication to education. He earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia University, where he cultivated a passion for finance and strategy. His academic path led him to Harvard University, where he further developed his expertise in navigating complex economic landscapes. These formative years at two of the world’s most prestigious institutions not only shaped his intellect but also instilled in him the foundational skills needed for a remarkable career.
With a strong foundation in finance and a vision for innovation, Yonel co-founded Lakeport Capital, where he now serves as CEO. Lakeport Capital specializes in alternative investments, offering tailored financial solutions that align with the evolving needs of investors. Under Yonel’s leadership, the firm has earned a reputation for integrity and innovation, becoming a trusted partner for clients seeking growth and resilience in an ever-changing market.
Yonel’s expertise, however, extends beyond traditional finance. As a multilingual entrepreneur fluent in French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and English, he has built a vast international network of contacts, clients, and investors. This global perspective has been a cornerstone of his career, allowing him to navigate diverse markets and foster connections that drive his ventures forward.
His career in real estate began with a focus on bridge lending, providing short-term loans to developers. This niche allowed him to invest in projects that others might have overlooked, offering financing solutions that bridged the gap between property acquisition and long-term financing. Yonel’s ability to identify and seize unique opportunities also led him to the field of litigation finance, where his meticulous due diligence and deep understanding of the legal landscape enabled him to excel in a competitive space.
Yonel’s journey from Columbia University alumnus to a prominent figure in Miami’s real estate market is a testament to his resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to innovation. Currently, he is exploring new opportunities in the tech and fintech sectors, particularly at the intersection of real estate and technology. His projects include investments in tech startups focused on real estate automation, blockchain technology, and AI-driven solutions. Yonel firmly believes that technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of the real estate and finance industries.
Beyond his professional ventures, Yonel remains an active voice in the community. He mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and shares his journey with those looking to follow in his footsteps. He offers insights into his personal life and career through social media platforms like Instagram, building a legacy of inspiration and mentorship.
Yonel’s decision to join the Genesis Business Humanity Club reflects his belief in the power of collaboration and shared purpose. He aligns seamlessly with the club’s mission to leverage business for the greater good, joining a network of professionals dedicated to ethical leadership and community impact. His insights into strategic investment, sustainable growth, and technology integration promise to enrich the collective endeavors of the Genesis community.
Looking ahead, Yonel envisions leveraging his expertise to empower others and champion causes that drive meaningful change. His commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and his dedication to merging financial innovation with social responsibility make him a perfect fit for the Genesis Business Humanity Club. We are thrilled to have Yonel Devico join our community and look forward to the positive influence he will bring to Genesis Business Humanity and beyond.
Genesis Greater Good is honored to spotlight Andrea Bartzen—a true catalyst for global change. In a world where creativity and innovation collide, Bartzen, biotech visionary and proud member of the Genesis Business Humanity Club, is championing change on a global scale. As the founder of The Global Passion Projects, Bartzen has established a transformative platform that connects legacy families and high-net-worth investors with trailblazing scientists and entrepreneurs to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Art Bio Miami: A Celebration of Hope and Innovation
During the 2024 Art Basel week in Miami, Bartzen’s vision came to life through the inaugural Art Bio Gala. Hosted by iconic artist Romero Britto at the exclusive Britto Palace, the gala was more than an event—it was a movement uniting art, science, and philanthropy. Luminaries from Silicon Valley, Miami’s investment community, and philanthropic circles gathered to champion solutions for critical global challenges.
The evening’s highlights included a heartwarming fashion show featuring young cancer survivors proudly dressed as their future selves—an ode to hope and the limitless possibilities of life. This celebration also showcased groundbreaking innovations funded through Bartzen’s foundation, reinforcing her commitment to blending passion with tangible impact.
Pioneering Partnerships and Breakthroughs
At the heart of The Global Passion Projects is its dedication to catalyzing innovation in areas like cancer, Alzheimer’s, mental health, and preventive diagnostics. The foundation’s partnerships exemplify its mission:
Wellvii™ and VitalDetect®: Revolutionizing rural healthcare with non-invasive monitoring tools that make remote patient care accessible.
DermaSensor: An AI-powered handheld device democratizing early skin cancer detection, recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024.
Humaniti Foundation: A U.S. and Canadian foundation that is combining the vibrant forces of entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration to solve the world’s most monumental challenges, focusing on health, water, and food relief efforts around the world.
National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: Spearheading collaborative research initiatives to combat childhood cancer with less toxic, more effective treatments.
Through these collaborations, Bartzen’s foundation is not just funding solutions—it’s fostering a culture of hope and transformation.
From Biotech to Global Impact
Bartzen’s journey from biotech leader to global changemaker reflects her passion for driving meaningful innovation. The Global Passion Projects inaugural event, the Hamptons Garden Gala, held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, served as a pivotal moment, kickstarting a series of impactful initiatives and collaborations. This event brought together thought leaders, innovators, and philanthropists to strategize on pressing health issues, setting the foundation for all future projects and events. “Our mission is to merge philanthropy with impact investing to accelerate innovation,” she shares. By bringing together legacy families and cutting-edge thinkers, Bartzen and her team create ripple effects that extend far beyond the communities they serve.
Looking to the Future
The success of Art Bio Miami sets the stage for a series of high-profile events in 2025, including gatherings in Palm Beach, New York City, London, and the Middle East. Each event promises to continue fostering collaboration and driving solutions that align with the values of the Genesis Business Humanity Club: impact, progress, and humanity.
Andrea Bartzen’s work through The Global Passion Projects and her involvement with Art Bio Miami showcases the power of connecting creativity, science, and philanthropy. Together with the Genesis Business Humanity Club, she is paving the way for a brighter, healthier, and more hopeful future.
Join the Movement For more information on The Global Passion Projects or to explore partnership opportunities, visit globalpassionprojects.com.
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.
The Genesis Friends for Life Foundation announced today that their first Celebrity Ambassadors, Yaakov-Zada Daniel, star of the hit Netflix series Fauda and other movie and television shows, and Omer Hazan, Israeli-American actor, known for his performances in The Engineer, Al Techaki Li, and Asfur, will be headlining the October 7 Memorial Gala in Miami next month.
This year, they are joined by the newest Friends for Life Celebrity Ambassador and Israeli Pop Star Ben El, who is donating a live performance of his greatest hits on November 21, at The Temple House in Miami Beach, where hundreds of supporters of the Foundation will gather.
Yaakov Zada-Daniel, from the hit show Fauda, himself an orphan who has established an orphanage in Israel, earlier this year attended an event in Miami produced by the Foundation to raise funds for immediate support of orphans, widows, children, and families most affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks.
Yaakov, who was orphaned at the age of three, grew up in the desert village of Neradim, a children’s-home and kibbutz for vulnerable kids from across Israel. He spent 15 years living with his new brothers and sisters. Today, he continues to support an orphanage, which the Foundation recently granted $10,000. He was named the first celebrity Ambassador and the face and voice of “Friends for Life” in 2023, shortly after the October 7 massacre.
Amiel Aviman, Yaakov-Zada Daniel, Ranny Yarom, and Aaron Hammer at the inaugural Genesis BH Friends for Life Memorial Gala, October 26, 2023
“It is an honor to represent Genesis Friends for Life Foundation and a privilege to have been one of their first grant recipients,” Zada-Daniel said. “Their vision is enhanced with innovation, using technologies the Genesis Business Humanity Club is expert in and has invested in, to identify orphans whose lives were nearly destroyed on October 7, and then engage with those orphans, the remaining members of their families if any, and ensure these orphans receive care and compassionate support. This includes providing mental health professionals, overall healthcare, education, safe and comfortable places to live, and mentorship as each orphan selected for the program is cared for through their late teens, including getting into the best universities in Israel. This is an extraordinary strategy, and one being implemented by experienced leaders with integrity, heart, and a love for Israel and Israel’s children and families.”
Additionally, Omer Hazan, known for his acting roles in Al Techaki, The Engineer, and Asfur, who attended the event on October 25 in Miami and is also on the Foundation’s Board of Advisors, is helping raise awareness and promote the Foundation’s mission.
Scenes from the 2023 Genesis BH Friends for Life First Memorial Gala, 2023
“I was invited to attend one of the most moving events I’ve ever been part of on October 26 in Miami,” Hazan said, “and will never forget meeting so many friends of Israel who were so deeply committed to immediately helping those orphans, widows, children, and families near the Gaza Strip who were murdered and traumatized by Hamas terrorists. Children are the future of Israel, and this includes those children who lost their parents and other family members on October 7 and in the resulting war over the last few months. What distinguishes Genesis Friends for Life Foundation is their solid strategic approach, their commitment to for life, and their presence in both the U.S. and Israel where partnerships have already formed, and support is flowing.”
The organization announced Ben El’s support earlier this month. He is well known as one-half of the highly successful duo Static and has earned acclaim for his extensive solo material. 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.
Amiel David Aviman, co-founder and Managing Partner, Genesis Business Humanity Group and Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation
“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.
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), 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.
“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.”
This second Annual Memorial and Gala is dedicated to honoring and uplifting the lives forever changed by the devastating Hamas terrorist attacks. On that tragic day, as the nation observed the sacred holiday of Shmini Atzeret, Hamas terrorists launched a violent, bloody attack on Israel from Gaza, firing thousands of rockets, breaching the country’s borders, and killing and wounding over 1,000 innocent people.
Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation’s mission is to identify, serve, follow, and continuously support the Genesis family of orphans into their adulthood; this is an innovation that will make a tremendous difference in every orphan’s life, including finding career opportunities in the Israeli tech sector – from internships to high-paying jobs.
“We are honored and grateful for the continuing and intense support Yaakov and Omer bring to our Advisory Board as special members, and we look forward to attracting additional celebrities to this important mission, supporting orphans, widows, children, and families in Israel in the wake of the horrific massacre,” said Amiel Aviman, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Genesis Business Humanity and Co-founder and Co-Chair of Genesis Friends for Life Foundation based in Miami.
“We are bringing immediate and ongoing resources to orphans, widows, children, families, and small communities in Israel during and following the war, and the support of Yaakov and Omer is priceless as we continue to raise money and implement projects in Israel in real-time,” said Ranny Yarom, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Genesis Business Humanity and Co-founder and Co-Chair of Genesis Friends for Life Foundation based in Miami.
Yarom is leading all projects on the ground in Israel, working with community leaders and the IDF (as a retired Colonel and entrepreneur), and ensuring resources go directly to those most affected by the brutality and destruction near the Gaza border.
The city of Sderot has always stood as a symbol of perseverance. However, for the Megera family, it became the center of unimaginable loss on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists launched an attack that would change their lives forever. Avi Megera (z”l), a beloved father of four and a devoted husband was taken from his family that day, but his legacy of love, dedication, and resilience continues to shine through the darkness.
On that fateful morning, Avi was doing something he loved—riding his motorcycle with a group of friends. For Avi, these moments were a release, a time to embrace the freedom of the open road and connect with a passion that balanced his busy life. But as they rode out of Sderot, a group of terrorists ambushed them. Avi and several other bikers were shot in cold blood; their lives were cut short as violence spread through the streets of the city.
Avi, 48, left behind a family that adored him. His wife, Michal, and their four children—Shaked, Ilai, Shalev, and Ori—now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives without the man who was the pillar of their home.
“Avi was more than a father; he was our best friend,” said Shaked, Avi’s eldest son and a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade. “He was always there for us, no matter what, and he taught us to always put family first.”
The trauma of the attack has compounded the pain of losing Avi, but the Megera family is determined to honor his memory by staying strong and supporting one another. As Michal, the heart of the family, navigates the grief and the sudden role of single parenthood, her resilience is both a tribute to her husband’s enduring spirit and a source of strength for her children.
“We feel his presence every day,” Michal shared. “I see him in Shaked’s smile, in Ilai’s curiosity, and in the way Ori and Shalev care for each other. He is always with us.”
The Megera family’s story has touched many, and support for them has grown as the community rallies to help them through this tragic time. Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation has been at the forefront of these efforts, offering emotional, academic, and financial assistance to ensure that Michal and her children have the necessary resources to rebuild their lives. Shaked, who hopes to pursue a career in architecture, has been granted support to further his education, while his brother Ilai, a bright and ambitious student, is receiving academic tutoring to help him pursue his passion for computer science.
In November, Michal and her children will travel to Miami as part of the Friends for Life Ambassadors Trip, a program designed to provide healing and growth opportunities for families like theirs. During their visit, Michal will share her story with a broader audience, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of supporting those affected by the events of October 7.
Genesis Friends for Life is committed to ensuring that the Megera family and others receive the long-term support they need. “We are not only honoring Avi’s memory,” said Dr. Lior Aviman, CEO of Genesis Friends for Life Israel NGO, “but we are also standing with his family to ensure that their future is bright. Avi’s legacy lives on in his children, and we will do everything we can to help them succeed.”
The journey ahead for the Megera family is long, but they are not walking it alone. Avi’s love and dedication to his family remain a guiding light, and the outpouring of support from their community and Genesis Friends for Life is helping to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
As we reflect on the profound loss endured by the Megera family and others impacted by the violence of October 7, we are reminded of the resilience and strength that emerges in the face of tragedy. Genesis Friends for Life is working tirelessly to provide orphans and widows with the emotional and practical support they need to heal, grow, and thrive.
In Avi Megera’s memory, we honor not just the man he was but the future he envisioned for his family. Together, we stand with Michal, Shaked, Ilai, Shalev, and Ori, ensuring their journey is one of healing and hope.
To support the Megera family and other families affected by the events of October 7, you can sponsor and purchase tickets for the upcoming Genesis Friends for Life event, “Love Always Wins,” by visiting this website.
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.
In the realm of tax law, Dave Wolf and his firm offer a wealth of experience in international tax law and financial management, which we are excited to introduce into the Genesis Business Humanity Club.
As a prominent figure in the legal and financial community, Dave’s expertise and dedication have profoundly impacted the field of corporate law, tax planning, and cross-border transactions.
Dave’s journey in the legal field is built upon a solid educational foundation, starting with a distinction in Dutch & European Business Law and Dutch Civil Law from the University of Leiden Law School. His scholarly excellence earned him a Merit Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he completed his LL.M. in Corporate Law and Finance while also exploring Management Science at The Wharton School of Business. This blend of law and business studies became the cornerstone of his nuanced understanding of corporate finance and international legal structures.
Graduating with top honors, Dave embarked on his journey in tax law with a clear vision: to demystify the complexities of tax law for individuals and organizations alike. Beginning his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Tel Aviv, he became an International Tax Department Attorney. With a knack for managing complex tax issues for multinational companies, he swiftly rose through the ranks of the legal and financial world.
In 2004, Dave took his expertise to the international stage at IDT Corporation, acting as the International Tax Director for Net2Phone Inc., a publicly traded subsidiary. Here, he was instrumental in structuring the company’s international tax compliance strategy, demonstrating his superior skill in navigating complex global tax landscapes.
With a wealth of experience and an entrepreneurial spirit behind him, he established the Dave Wolf Law Firm in Jerusalem in 2007. As a Founding Partner, he leveraged his expansive knowledge to advise high-net-worth individuals on US tax planning, offshore compliance, estate planning, and cross-border transactions. Under his leadership, the firm has become a bastion of excellence in international tax law, offering bespoke solutions catering to its esteemed clientele’s intricate financial needs.
Building on his entrepreneurial success, Dave has extended into several respected directorships and memberships, including his role as a Director and Shareholder of Clarity Life Insurance Ltd, wherein he provides guidance that substantiates constant global growth. Equally noteworthy is his contribution to academia and professional bodies. He chairs the University of Pennsylvania Alumni in Jerusalem, fostering a network of alums to support and uplift one another.
Dave has also contributed to the innovative Pollen Group. Established in 2020, The Pollen Group was brought together to harness the innovative potential of disruptive technologies to address pressing global challenges. As a driving force in this project, Dave and his team focus on fostering startups from their nascent stages to successful IPOs, ensuring both financial viability and positive societal contributions. With a unique approach that draws out the financial acumen of its members to produce a huge impact on the environment and humanity, with success measured through a Return on Happiness (ROH) and Return on Investment (ROI) model, which combines financial and social considerations.
With several successful ventures backing him up, we proudly announce Dave’s alignment with the Genesis philosophy as we continue leveraging professional success for societal benefit. In celebrating Dave, we are shining a light on the profound impact that one individual can have on their profession and community. We expect his journey to continue elevating in stature as a compelling narrative of excellence and empathy, exemplifying the transformative power of aligning career success with philanthropic vision.
