The Lounge

By MICHAL GALANTI
Appel, Avi Baum and Nir Brunstein. (photo credit: Courtesy)
Appel, Avi Baum and Nir Brunstein.
(photo credit: Courtesy)
1 Shlomo Shmeltzer Just before the Jewish New Year, Tel Aviv University held an exciting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of a smart transportation institute named for Shlomo Shmeltzer, who passed away three years ago. Shmeltzer created a business empire based in the automotive and transportation sector, and was the owner of Shlomo Sixt.
Attending the ceremony were his widow, Ataliah, and their three children, Asi, Tovi and Ofra; university president, Prof. Joseph Klafter; Prof. Yossi Rosenwaks, dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Irad Ben-Gal; Dr. Tal Raviv; and Prof. Michal Tzur. The researchers who lead the institute have developed technologies in the field of smart transportation that will promote cooperation between Israel and countries around the world. Ataliah reminisced how it all started with three Susita cars many years ago.
2 Haim & Cheryl Saban American-Israeli businessman Haim Saban and his wife, Cheryl, hosted a grand celebration in Los Angeles during which they renewed their vows in honor of their 30th wedding anniversary.
There were spectacular flower arrangements, illuminated signs, a huge fancy wedding cake and lots of fun attractions for all the guests. As a special surprise, the bride donned the exact same wedding dress she’d worn three decades ago. During the evening, the loving couple were seen dancing like youngsters on the dance floor.
3 Israeli Opera Friends of the Israeli Opera gathered on Saturday night at the home of the association’s chairperson Aliza Jaffa and her husband Ariel to celebrate the opening of the new opera season.
The artistic entertainment included arias, duets, and ensembles from the repertoire, as well as a selection of French chansons performed by Israeli Opera soloists. There to enjoy the celebration were Zach Granit, director- general of the Israeli Opera; Ron and Yael Huldai; Danny Gillerman, chairman of the Israeli Opera and his wife Janice; and Yitzhak and Adia Suari.
4 Krembo Wings Krembo Wings, the only inclusive youth movement in Israel for children and youth with and without disabilities, recently held its 15th annual fundraising event, attended by over 11,000 people who filled the Menorah Mivtachim Arena. Among the VIP guests were Talia Harel Bejerano, CEO of Krembo; Nir Brunstein, chairman of the board and his wife Dalit; Avi Baum; Amos Appel; and Dalia Mantver.
5 French Riviera In honor of the New Year, Lipa Meir and Alon Pomerantz, partners of the law firm of Lipa Meir & Co., treated the firm’s employees to a luxurious training course on the French Riviera. Over 100 lawyers, interns and office employees stayed at the Club Med’s Opio en Provence Resort, which is located in an olive grove near the small town of Grasse, and which overlooks the French Riviera. The highlight of the trip was a cruise on the Riviera and a visit to Monte Carlo, the capital of Monaco.