her identity. Central to her upbringing was the influence of her father, Alex Halberstein, z”l , a highly respected philanthropist in South Florida known for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to Federation and countless other Jewish organizations. His belief in “paying it forward” left a lasting imprint on Ariela’s values and worldview. Gary’s upbringing in North Miami Beach was similarly rooted in Jewish practice and generosity. Raised in a kosher home where giving back was simply part of life, he, too, was surrounded by parents who were not only pioneers of the northeast Miami- Dade Jewish community, but role models who demonstrated that supporting the Jewish world is a fundamental obligation. As they both reflect, “It’s just what was done in our families.” That shared outlook has guided their life together. Ariela and Gary have contributed not only as donors but as active participants, lending their time, insight and passion to strengthen Jewish life locally and abroad. Their involvement includes leadership roles for AIPAC, Israel Bonds, Scheck Hillel Community Day School, Kesher, Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus and Boys Town Jerusalem, as well as significant roles within the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. At Federation, Gary has served as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of Federation, Chair of the North Dade Division, and Young Leadership Division, and played a key role in the Attorneys Division. Together, they have attended countless events, chaired committees and chaired and participated in Super Sunday campaigns. Their chairing and participation in the 1994 Mega Mission as a young couple was an early expression of their belief in communal responsibility.
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