The 16th Annual Bel Air Affaire, hosted by American Friends of the Hebrew University’s (AFHU) Western Region at the iconic Papillon Estate in Beverly Hills on Sept. 20, raised over $3.2 million in support of student scholarships at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU).
Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist, producer and composer Kenny G performed for the guests as a tribute to the university and the State of Israel.
The event, which honored distinguished AFHU leaders, also welcomed Hebrew University president-elect professor Tamir Sheafer, current rector and former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The event highlighted HU’s centennial year and its stature as Israel’s premier academic institution. A portion of this year’s proceeds will provide critical scholarships for students who have served in the Israel Defense Forces since Oct. 7, 2023, ensuring they have the resources to continue their studies while recognizing their dedication and sacrifice.
“This year’s theme, ‘Luminaries of Light,’ pays tribute to a distinguished group of visionary leaders whose dedication and generosity illuminate the path of discovery, progress and lasting impact,” said Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, president, AFHU Western Region. “Thanks to these extraordinary champions, Hebrew University is shaping a brighter future—one that will guide the next 100 years and beyond, driven by knowledge, innovation and opportunity.”
Honorees: Luminaries of Light
Joyce Brandman: The Saul and Joyce Brandman Foundation
Joyce Brandman leads the Saul and Joyce Brandman Foundation, carrying on the mission of tzedakah (charitable giving) she and her late husband, Saul, forged together. The Foundation provided the lead gift for the Saul and Joyce Brandman Residence Park, which will house 700 students and 90 faculty families and foster a vibrant campus community. Joyce has also funded the Saul and Joyce Brandman Science Laboratory Building and Annex, an endowed chair in Cardiopulmonary Research at HU’s Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRC) and scholarships for dozens of students.
A past president of AFHU’s Western Region and former member of the National Board, Joyce received an Honorary Fellowship from HU in 2010. Her philanthropic work also extends to Beit T’Shuvah, Brandman University, Eisenhower Health, Los Angeles Jewish Health, the McCallum Theatre, the UC Riverside Foundation and the Brandman Centers for Senior Care.
Patricia L. Glaser and Sam Mudie
Patricia (Patty) Glaser and Sam Mudie support the Glaser-Mudie Graduate Program in Political Science at HU, a unique five-year track integrating master’s and doctoral studies modeled after the graduate schools of leading global universities. They also endowed scholarships at UCLA and American University to support students studying abroad at HU.
Patty is co-chair of the Hebrew University’s International Campaign and chairs the AFHU Western Region Board. Professionally, she heads Glaser Weil’s Litigation Department and is recognized among the nation’s leading trial attorneys.
Sam lives part-time in the Eastern Sierra California region, where he consults with several non-profit organizations and manages the family’s real estate holdings. He is an avid collector of Toyota Land Cruisers. Sam graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he played quarterback and was voted most valuable player (MVP) of the undefeated 1961 Rutgers football team.
Marcy and Dan Schlessinger
Dan Schlessinger, an HU alumnus, has served as AFHU national president, board chair and national campaign chair, as well as chair of Hebrew University’s International Board of Governors for the past seven years. In 2010, AFHU honored him with the Torch of Learning Award. Dan formerly chaired a large international law firm and is currently a partner at Jaszczuk, PC, a litigation boutique. He and Marcy were recognized on the Wall of Life in 2013. Marcy is a homemaker, a master gardener and a pilates instructor. Marcy and Dan have held leadership positions in many civic organizations in their native Chicago.
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation – Martin Blank and Richard Ziman
Co-trustees Martin Blank and Richard Ziman continue the legacy of Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert, philanthropists and community leaders whose Foundation has become one of Los Angeles’s largest, supporting education, healthcare and cultural institutions both locally and in Israel.
At HU, the Gilberts established the Gilbert Tennis and Athlete Center and supported the Rothberg International School.
May & Richard Ziman
In addition to his work with the Gilbert Foundation, Richard Ziman has long championed HU as a member of its international Board of Governors and the Rothberg International School’s Board of Overseers, where he funded the Ziman Wing. He is a past chair and president of the AFHU Western Region Board and a trustee of the National Board. HU awarded him an Honorary Doctorate, and AFHU honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Richard co-founded Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. (NYSE: REXR), and has endowed major initiatives across UCLA, City of Hope, Jewish Home for the Aging and other institutions. He has also held leadership roles with AIPAC, the Washington Institute and numerous cultural and educational boards.
A Luminary Evening
Hebrew University President Professor Asher Cohen welcomed guests and congratulated the honorees during the AFHU-hosted program.
The keynote was delivered by Summer Felsen, an HU doctoral student in International Relations. After facing antisemitism during her master’s studies in Brussels, she made Aliyah and joined HU, where her academic work and advocacy focus on confronting global antisemitism.
The chef was a Michelin two-star chef, Josiah Citrin.
