DONOR IMPACT
Investing in Digital Innovation: Lynn Syms & The Syms Foundation
I believe very strongly that music is a universal language. I am not a musician, but I appreciate music—attending classical music concerts has always been a very beautiful, pleasant, and peaceful experience for me.
I became involved with the Israel Philharmonic specifically because I admire the Orchestra’s worldwide impact. Over the years, the Israel Philharmonic has performed in some countries that traditionally did not welcome Jewish people, and they have made tremendous in-roads. That progress is invaluable. It proves that music breaks down barriers, not through words—music speaks to you emotionally, and everybody is emotional in one way or another. And I think that’s the true value of communicating through the arts.
I feel very strongly that the digital era is the wave of the future, and the Israel Philharmonic has been at the forefront of digital innovation. I thought it was important enough that it was worth a $100,000 investment. By engaging in digital programs, we’re able to get out in front of more people across the country and world, younger generations, and more. The Israel Philharmonic are very, very devoted to the power of music, and the power of technology to share it.
Sharing Music with the Children of Israel: Manfried Glucksmann
Manfried Glucksmann always kept the importance of giving back at the forefront of his mind and actions throughout his life and beyond. He was an early supporter of the Sulamot: Music for Social Change program because he believed in its mission to create social change through opening the world of music to children from underserved communities through Israel. After his passing, Manfried left an incredibly generous gift to the Israel Philharmonic in support of the Sulamot program in memory of his sister Chana.
As the liaison in charge of the subscriptions and memberships for the IPO, Chana introduced Manfried to the Israel Philharmonic in the 1940s, beginning his lifelong relationship with the organization. His deep love for his sister Chana is what drove him to leave a legacy gift to the Israel Philharmonic. Planned giving and legacy gifts are a unique opportunity to invest in the future of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
Paying It Forward: Ruth Unger
I don’t think you’ve heard a story like this…
When I was a teenager living in Tel-Aviv in the 1940s, I would sneak into Israel Philharmonic concerts—without paying!
I lived two blocks away from Ohel Shem on Balfour Street. I would climb over the fences from Maaze Street and enter the hall through the back door. The door was always open—there was no air conditioner or anything—and there was nobody there, so I would go in and sit down, or stand up—and nobody glanced my way. When the concerts were over, I would leave through the front door like a lady, wearing my mother’s house coat, which was long.
I don’t remember how many times I did this, but it was quite a lot! Our life was hard during the war, but there was always music. Those were wonderful years—no fancy clothes, no fancy cars, very little food—but always enough joie de vivre.
In order to make up for my “stolen concerts,” fifty years later, I decided to send a donation. I lived in New York City at the time, and sent the gift alongside with a letter of my confession to the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic. I didn’t think anyone would read it, but to my surprise, I received a letter from Maestro Zubin Mehta himself! I love him.
