Stanley B. Stern, Managing Director of S.T.I. Ventures Advisors LLC, spoke about fthe effect of energy independence on Israel's furture development. Stern is a former director of Technology Banking with CIBC Oppenheimer. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

A sophisticated crowd of financial professionals gathered to listen to Stanley Stern’s comments on, and prognosis for, the Israeli economy as it is likely to be affected by energy independence and continuing technology developments. An audience of bankers, lawyers, investors and accountants paid rapt attention to the veteran investment banker’s thoughts. The conversation was held in the lobby space of the TD Bank at 42^nd Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

Stern, Managing Director of S.T.I. Ventures Advisers LLC, is the former head of Technology Banking with CIBC Oppenheimer. His extensive knowledge of the interaction between state of the art technology, abundant and assured energy in a country with a strong economy, strong currency – the shekel, he noted, was perhaps too strong, and its strengths could affect Israel’s ability to remain competitive, especially in the consumer goods export markets.

The information Stern presented was of great interest; the greater purpose of the evening, however, was to provide funding for the purchase of medical equipment needed by the Rabin Medical Center. With Oren Heiman serving as a most charming “auctioneer,” beds and bandages, scopes and stethoscopes were quickly “purchased” by generous donors.

In expressing his and RMC’s gratitude for support of its important work, American Friends’ Director Joshua Plaut noted that the Wall Street division had experienced significant growth since its founding four years ago, and continued to gain strength.

Named in honor of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the Petach Tikva hospital encompasses the Belinson Hospital and the Golda-Hasharon Hospital. The almost 1400 bed facility serves almost 175,000 per year. and is the largest medical center in Israel. In addition to its strong overall reputation, it is especially known for its pioneering work in multi-organ transplants and live-donor liver transplants. RMC’s Institute of Oncology is Israel’s largest cancer treatment facility.

Oren Heiman, (left) Managing Partner of Shiboleth, LLC, called for support of the medical advances and day to day care provided by the Rabin Medical Center. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Keynote Speaker Stanley B. Stern, Managing Director of S.T.I. Ventures Advisors LLC, (left) with Dr. Joshua Plaut, Director of the American Friends of the Rabin Medical Center, discussed Israel's positive influence on the current and future "high tech" sector. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Oren Heiman, (left) Managing Partner of Shiboleth, LLC, and an active supporter of American Friends of Rabin Medical Center, raised thousands of dollars in "on-the-spot," targeted donations for equipment ranging from beds to bandages. Here, he is welcomed to the podium by Dr. Joshua Plaut, AFRMC Director. Photo: Maxine Dovere.