Nira and Kenneth Abramowitz

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Philanthropists Nira and Kenneth Abramowitz of Greenwich will receive the Maimonides Award of the American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU) at the organization’s Gala Awards Dinner on Monday, May 15, at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. Tina and Michael Lobel of New York will receive the National Scopus Award. Hosted by actress Chita Rivera, the evening will include a special video tribute from Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The Maimonides Award honors philanthropic commitment to pioneering medical research conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Maimonides Award recipients are distinguished by their humanitarianism, communal leadership and work in support of research breakthroughs that will benefit mankind.
“The Lobels and Abramowitzes have worked tirelessly on behalf of The Hebrew University, strengthening the State of Israel and the world’s Jewish community,” said AFHU President Martin E. Karlinsky. “Their efforts have helped develop Israel as a world class leader in health care, cancer treatment and innovative research. We are delighted to recognize their dedication with these awards.”
Members of AFHU’s National Board of Regents, the Abramowitzes are also actively involved with American Friends of the IDF, American Friends of Likud, The Israel Independence Fund, Open University of Israel and The Middle East Forum.
Kenneth Abramowitz earned a B.A. from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He has published several studies on healthcare service companies, major medical mergers and cardiovascular device innovation, among others. Currently, Kenneth sits on the Board of Directors of EKOS Corp., OptiScan Biomedical Corp., Valtech Ltd., Cerapedics, and Small Bone Innovations, Inc.
A native of Israel, Nira Abramowitz came to the United States to attend the Boston School of Architecture, where she completed her architectural studies. She pursued her architectural career and embarked on several ambitious projects with the Dallas Zoo and the Scarsdale Historical Society as an exhibit designer and curator.
Tina and Michael Lobel will receive the National Scopus Award, the highest honor American Friends confers. Raised in Hewlett, N.Y., Michael Lobel is a co-founder of Shapiro Lobel LLP, a firm specializing in business management for entertainers and tax planning and compliance for high net worth individuals. Tina Lobel currently tutors students in math to help prepare them for state and national academic exams and volunteers her teaching services to economically disadvantaged students.
The Lobels have taken an active role in diverse AFHU programs to promote sustainable agriculture with The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at Hebrew University. Michael also serves as governor of The Hebrew University’s International Board of Governors. As a member of AFHU’s National Board, he has served as treasurer, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, and as a member of AFHU’s Executive, Management and Compensation Committees.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. For more information on the Gala Awards Dinner, contact Orlee Guttman toguttman@afhu.org, (212) 607-8517, or visit www.afhu.org.