500 at HAFTR’s 37th gala

Alissa and David Hersh, both doctors and parents of four children who attend the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR), were the guests of honor at the school’s 37th annual dinner that was attended by 500 of the school’s supporters last Saturday in the HAFTR sports complex in Lawrence.

The couple strongly and actively support HAFTR’s general studies and Judaic educational programs. David, a cardiologist with a practice in Bellmore, is a HAFTR graduate. In addition to supporting HAFTR, his volunteer work includes Kulanu and United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County.

Alissa specializes in allergy and immunology and has a practice in Woodmere. They met when attending New York Medical College. She has served on the HAFTR Associate Board since 2010 and co-founded the HAFTR Welcoming Committee. Alissa is also an active member with the United Jewish Appeal, involved with the Tov B’Yachad and Organization for the Resolution of Agunot.

Hillel Day Camp Director Ari Solomon received the Hakarat HaTov Award. A teacher in the NYC school system since 1992, Solomon has turned the camp into the highest-demand Orthodox Jewish day camp in the state in the past two years. He and his wife, Ilana, have two children attending HAFTR, and another is a graduate.

Rabbi Yisroel Moshe Siff was presented with the Educator of the Year Award. After his graduation and ordination from Yeshiva University, Siff began his career at HAFTR in 1989. To this day, he has formed meaningful and lasting relationships with both former and current students, and their families. Many students, families and colleagues often ask him for advice.