Meet Our Members

Hinda Buchbinder

In early 2009, we wrote about long-time BMH-BJ member, Hinda Buchbinder, who created a charitable foundation to assist deserving, underprivileged women in Israel. The Prottaska Fund named after Hinda’s father, helps “single Jewish women become self-sustaining, by educating them…. and have their children receive cultural enrichment…. and a religious and secular education.”
We met with Hinda recently and asked her to update us:
Scribe:  Why did you originally choose ESRA in Israel through which to channel your philanthropic outreach?”
Hinda:  ESRA is an English Speaking Residents Association, a registered nonprofit, independent, a political volunteer organization dedicated to making Israel a better society, in particular, helping immigrant groups toward self-realization. I connected with some incredibly dedicated people who have identified single women with potential for growth and self-support. All are fully committed to achieving our agreed-to goals.
Scribe:  Do you plan to continue the ESRA relationship?
Hinda:  I see results. I witness first-hand the difference in the lives of those we are helping. I trust my contacts in every aspect of our work. One hundred percent of our funds are used for the purpose intended and accounted for to the last shekel. So, why wouldn’t I continue to strengthen our ties?
Scribe:  Have you been in contact with the women receiving help?
Hinda:  Yes, it matters to me that I can put a face and personality to those whose lives are being changed.
Scribe:  Would you describe some of the “before and after” for us?
Hinda:  Here are copies of letters and articles received from these women.
From ESRA “The Prottaska Girls”
The Protasska Fund has, over the past few years, donated money to help single mothers in disadvantaged circumstances better their lives by learning skills to help them advance in their careers and obtain employment. Most of the donations have been given to the Ethiopian sector and the results, so far, have been amazing.
“If it wasn’t for the help I received at the lowest point in my life, I don’t think either I or my family would have survived. I bless you and thank you.” When I met Kasanesh, a widow with eight children who had lost her husband to cancer a year before, she was unable to cope with the reality of bringing up and providing for her family without her husband and partner, a respected teacher in the community. The Prottaska Fund helped to provide her with a new kitchen, new beds for the children and most of all, a new vision of the future. Today, Kasanesh does part time work as a caregiver, her oldest son, who was the worst hit and went through some years of rebellion, is a responsible, working member of the community, her children are either in the army or going through school and she herself, apart from her work, has become a central figure in the Community Center giving help and support wherever needed.
“The past year has not been an easy one for me looking after my baby, studying and working. However, I know that without this help I would still be cleaning floors and I bless the Prottaska Fund for giving me a future.” Esty, a young mother of one, has been studying for her bookkeeping certificate for the last year. She will get her certificate in three months time. Six months ago she started working at one of the local supermarkets and will be able to improve her salary and status once she gets her qualification.
The two latest recruits are Oshat, a third generation Israeli from a disadvantaged family with two small children and no support. “I grew up in welfare and will not let my children do the same.” Oshrat has started a secretarial and office management course and is described as a survivor by her social worker.
The other is 35-year-old Julie Mordechai, born in Azerbidijian, divorced with two teenagers. She is completiing her high school education and intends to become a wage earner and role model for her sons. The Prottaska has now helped six single women change their lives.
“Save a soul and you save the world” – Hinda Buchbinder and her family have done this over and over. The Prottaska Fund’s board consists of Hinda’s son, Jonah Seth Rafal, Dr. Marcha Flint and Lori Garmin. Their motto and moral code are simple: “There are always reasons for not doing the right thing at the right time. It is on the shoulders of Jews here, everywhere and now that the future of following generations will stand.” With friends like these, ESRA can’t go wrong and neither can “The Prottaska Girls!”

Alvin Fishman

Lifelong BMH-BJ member Alvin Fishman and his family have been walking and raising money and awareness for Komen for over 16 years in loving memory of Al’s dearly departed wife, Arlene.
Every year, starting in July, they collect donations for Komen. In the last four years alone the family has raised over $60,000.
On race day they walk in memory of Arlene, and reminisce about all the wonderful times they had. This is a picture of the group from this year’s walk.
This is a mitzvah they choose to do every year. There was an article on the Komen website about after the race this year where they had interviewed Howard. It can be accessed at komendenver.org/site/PageServer?pagename=rfcd_race_stories_of_hope_howard
If you are interested in making a donation to support the family in the 2012 race,  just let Al know.  He’ll collect the donation and it will be logged on the family’s Komen webpage and given to  Komen Denver.  The Fishman Family 2011 webpage can be found at komendenver.org/goto/In_Memory_of_Arlene_2011.

Right to left
Front Row: Al’s grandsons Chandler and Noah, Al’s granddaughters Amy and Zoe. Back Row: Al’s daughter-in-law Lorraine and her husband Howard (Al’s youngest son), Al, Bret (Al’s oldest son) and his wife Kathleen

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