South Palm Beach Unites in Powerful Celebration Honouring Matthew and Wendy Maschler and FAU President Adam Hasner for Unstoppable Leadership and Commitment to Israel’s Future

Published on November 22, 2025

On November 20, 2025, South Palm Beach County witnessed an extraordinary event that brought together community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters of Israel. Hosted at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton, the “Israel Bonds: Building Tomorrow, Together” celebration highlighted the strength of community unity and commitment to Israel. The evening honoured individuals who have shown exceptional leadership in supporting Israel and Jewish communal life, including Matthew and Wendy Maschler and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) President Adam Hasner. This significant event also coincided with Matthew’s 53rd birthday and the Helping Israel Fund’s 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

A Record Number of Synagogues Stand Together

A total of 15 synagogues across South Palm Beach County participated in the event, each presenting an honoree for their unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community. Among the honorees were Wendy and Matthew Maschler, who were recognised for their outstanding contributions, including Matthew’s role as Vice Chair for South Palm Beach County Israel Bonds.

The evening also had a personal significance for Matthew, as he not only received this prestigious honour but also celebrated his 53rd birthday. In addition to the celebration, Matthew hosted the Helping Israel Fund’s 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The tournament supports Israel and the humanitarian needs of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), focusing on providing vital medical equipment, welfare support, and other essentials for IDF soldiers and Israeli communities.

Matthew Maschler expressed the importance of the day, stating, “Turning 53 while being honoured by my community—and while hosting a charity golf tournament that directly supports Israel’s humanitarian and defence needs—reminds me how important it is to continue the work of strengthening Israel. This isn’t symbolic. It’s real, it’s urgent, and it’s personal.”

FAU President Adam Hasner Honoured for Leadership

A key moment of the event was the recognition of Adam Hasner, the first Jewish president of Florida Atlantic University. Hasner has been a dedicated advocate for Israel for over two decades, supporting pro-Israel legislation and ensuring that Jewish students at FAU feel safe and welcomed.

Hasner shared his vision for FAU, which includes making the university a beacon for Jewish life in the United States. He spoke passionately about recent initiatives at FAU, including the construction of the Kurt and Marilyn Wallik Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building and the revitalisation of the Florida Israel Institute.

In a groundbreaking announcement, Hasner revealed that the FAU Foundation would purchase an additional $5 million in Israel Bonds, raising the total investment to $8.2 million. This makes FAU the largest university investor in Israel Bonds in the United States. Hasner’s commitment was clear when he said, “At a time of rising antisemitism on campuses nationwide, Florida Atlantic University is choosing a different path. We will protect Jewish students. We will celebrate them. And we will stand proudly with Israel in every way that matters—financially, academically, and morally.”

Israel Bonds: A Global Movement for Israel’s Future

The event highlighted the critical role that Israel Bonds plays in strengthening the relationship between Israel and the global Jewish community. Israel Bonds has raised billions of dollars since its establishment, contributing to Israel’s development and security. As of October 7, 2023, Israel Bonds has generated $5.7 billion in global sales, with $1.9 billion of that amount coming in 2025 alone.

The strong support for Israel Bonds in South Palm Beach County is noteworthy. Palm Beach County is now the largest investor in Israel Bonds worldwide, with holdings approaching a historic $1 billion. This financial support has been essential in furthering Israel’s economic development and ensuring the security and well-being of its citizens.

South Florida’s Response to Anti-Israel Movements

Throughout the evening, one message was made abundantly clear: South Florida stands firmly with Israel. In the face of growing anti-Israel activism, particularly campaigns promoting Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, the community’s response has been one of unity and support. The event demonstrated how the South Florida community is strengthening its commitment to Israel, not only through financial contributions but also through active engagement and solidarity.

Matthew Maschler summed up the collective sentiment of the evening, stating, “Today—at the event, at the golf tournament, and across the entire community—we proved that partnership, commitment, and action are how you make a real difference.”

A Clear Message of Unity and Support for Israel

The “Israel Bonds: Building Tomorrow, Together” celebration was a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have on the future of Israel. Through the efforts of community leaders like Matthew and Wendy Maschler and Adam Hasner, and with the support of local residents and philanthropists, South Palm Beach County continues to be a leader in Israel Bonds investment and advocacy.

The event was a statement of solidarity with Israel at a time when the country faces rising challenges. It was a demonstration of the unwavering commitment to Israel’s future, reflecting the strength of the South Florida Jewish community’s collective resolve.

Continued Support for Israel’s Future

As the evening concluded, the call to action was clear: the work of strengthening Israel and supporting Jewish life in South Florida must continue. The event reinforced the message that unity, commitment, and action are essential to making a real difference. With leaders like Matthew and Wendy Maschler, Adam Hasner, and the many others involved, South Palm Beach County is showing the world the power of partnership and how dedicated support can help secure a brighter future for Israel.

The “Israel Bonds: Building Tomorrow, Together” celebration will go down in history as a remarkable moment of solidarity and action, with South Florida continuing to play a pivotal role in supporting Israel on the global stage.