Leanor Segal, Co-chair of Atidim’s International Board, was awarded Atidim’s highest honor, an Honorary Fellowship, at a moving ceremony at the Air Force House in Herzliya.
The Honorary Fellowship was conferred upon Segal for her tireless work on behalf of Atidim and her unbending commitment to the program’s growth and success.
“Only good people do good things,” said fellow Cochair Eitan Wertheimer. “Atidim would not be what it is today without Leanor’s passion and support. Her ability to inspire so many others to support Atidim is a gift that was given to us.”
Segal was not only surprised by the receipt of the Honorary Fellowship, but by the unexpected appearance of her children and grandchildren at the ceremony. One minute she was watching a video with their congratulations from the United States. The next they entered the hall and were hugging her. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience. “We’ve been hiding for three days,” said her grandson Sam.
“This award belongs to all of Atidim’s donors,” said a clearly moved Segal. “We are not Diaspora Jews at Atidim. We are a family. My work in bringing others to this program is made easy because the program’s greatness speaks for itself.”
“This is an historic evening,” said Atidim founder, former Minister of Defense and Knesset Member Lt. General Shaul Mofaz. “We are celebrating ten years of Atidim along with the devotion and dedication of Atidim supporters like Leanor Segal. The investment here is an investment in the future of the State of Israel.”
Commander of the Israeli Navy Admiral Eli Marum poignantly remembered his first meeting with Leanor eight years ago. “Leanor was touched and inspired by the story of Atidim. She recognized its potential to change Israel, and it’s been a love story between Leanor and Atidim ever since.”
Excerpt from the Honorary Fellowship Scroll: The title of Honorary Fellow is bestowed upon Leanor Segal for her passionate commitment to Atidim and her everlasting dedication to the betterment of Israel’s next generation. Leanor Segal has made an indelible mark on her city, Montreal, her country, Canada and Israel. Her unwavering support to give outstanding young Israeli’s from disadvantaged backgrounds a path to higher education is changing the face of Israeli society. Under Leanor Segal’s leadership as Co-Chairperson of Atidim’s International Board, Atidim has reached new heights. She has championed the support of others to invest in Israel’s future. As a result, tens of thousands of young people have the chance for a successful future.
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