Rambam benefactor Ronald Bakalarz and Haim Yehezkel co-hosted a luncheon in the Clubhouse of Porto Vita in Aventura, Florida on February 3rd to acquaint their neighbors and city leaders with the South Florida Chapter of American Friends of Rambam Medical Center (AFORAM). They held the luncheon in honor of Dr. Eyal Fruchter, Rambam’s Chief of Psychiatry, who visited South Florida to raise awareness of Rambam’s significant medical innovations, the security it provides for the two million residents of northern Israel, and its success as a role model for peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.

Dr. Fruchter spoke about his experiences as a specialist in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide-prevention and as the personal psychiatrist of captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit.

Among the city dignitaries attending were Aventura Mayor Enid Weisman, Aventura Commissioner Bob Shelley, former Aventura Commissioner and Vice Mayor Billy Joel, and former North Miami Mayor John Stembridge.

Mr. Bakalarz discussed the medical discoveries and promising clinical research at Rambam, particularly for neurological disorders, such as Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease.  Mr. Yehezkel praised Rambam’s humanitarian efforts, providing free healthcare for the poor and needy not only in northern Israel but from neighboring countries, Lebanon and Syria, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background.

AFORAM salutes Ron Bakalarz and Haim Yehezkel, whose generosity and support will help to acquaint the Jewish community of South Florida with the achievements and contributions of Rambam Medical Center and AFORAM to the health and well-being of the people in Israel, America and all over the world.