March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Rotarians Celebrate Holiday Spirit:

At the Dec. 12 Santa Monica Rotary Club meeting, the essence of the holiday season was certainly felt from the beginning: the members sang a Hanukkah tune in unison, the spirit of giving materialized in the form of two grants, and the club learned more about a seemingly unfamiliar part of the world.

The Santa Monica Rotarians jump-started the weekly meeting by presenting checks to grantees Kent Wallace-Meggs and Francine Lavac, with the first check set to support the academic success of young students and the second check set to contribute to a non-profit local dance training facility, the Westside School of Ballet.

To present an example of what the Rotarians’ generosity has provided on a local scale, former professional ballerina Lavac mentioned that the donations have proceeded to help purchase “some of the most beautiful costumes [she] has ever seen” and assist in melding together a polished performance.

To transition the meeting and prepare the listeners for the guest speaker, Avo Guerboian introduced the esteemed visitor, Gili Ovadia, to the club members, highlighting some of Ovadia’s numerous accomplishments and life experiences.

“[Ovadia] is the Israel consul for economic affairs to the West Coast and head of the Israel Economic and Trade mission,” Guerobian explained. “His office is responsible for enhancing trade relations between local and Israeli business communities across a broad spectrum of industries.”

In addition to currently serving at the Israeli Economy Ministry, Ovadia has also served as an advisor to the Israeli Minister of Defense, in addition to working as an analyst, being involved with two start-up companies, and serving as a combat officer for the Israel Defense Forces. Ovadia provided the Santa Monica Rotarians with a credible, experienced perspective on Israel as he informed his listeners about his country. His presentation, “Why Israel and Why Now?”, elaborated on how Israel has become a powerhouse.

Ovadia, however, focused first on the inevitable unfamiliarity with Israel that some may hold by addressing some preconceptions of the country that the media tends to highlight. He also made sure to assure the audience that they should “feel free to interrupt [him]” if they had any questions.

“When you first think of Israel, I assume you may first think about security, Middle Eastern conflict, or underdevelopment,” Ovadia said. “But we think of a very vibrant city, with tech companies, nightlife and the beach.”

Ovadia then proceeded to fill in the members on the basic facts of Israel, including its population, GOP, and names of main cities.

As he continued on to focus on the more economic and business-related statistics of Israel, it became clear that there were very apparent rising trends within the country. From the unemployment rate dropping to a record low earlier this year to the vast number of large companies choosing Israel as their research and development centers, Israel continues to be on the up-and-up, according to Ovadia.

Ovadia clarified the objective of the informative session as he wrapped up his presentation.

“We want to be here for you and to be used as a resource,” Ovadia said.

Afterward, the Rotarians showed their interest by asking Ovadia questions and engaging in further conversation.

For more information on the Santa Monica Rotary Club, visit rotaryclubofsantamonica.org.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...