Israel's ambassador to U.S. celebrates Newark medical center's history

By Tanya Drobness/The Star-Ledger
December 06, 2009

NEWARK -- As Israel’s ambassador to United States, Michael Oren said New Jersey and Israel have many common bonds — land size, tourism and even strategy on Iran.

But nearest to his heart is Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, where his father was president for decades.

"I grew up in this hospital … The values I learned in this hospital were instrumental in my decision to move to Israel and build bridges between the two countries and various communities," said Oren, who was guest speaker at an event today to celebrate the hospital’s history, accomplishments and a Suse Lowenstein sculpture.

The artwork, which honors the victims of the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, was rededicated to the mission that exemplifies the medical center’s creed: "The value of the human touch as a power for healing is never lost sight of at Beth Israel."

About 150 guests, including physicians, residents and Oren’s family, filled the medical center’s Parsonnet-Danzis Auditorium for the emotion-filled program.

"Our goal is to heal the body while comforting the spirit," said John Brennan, the medical center’s executive director.

Brennan praised Oren’s father, Lester Bornstein, who was president of the medical center for 40 years and was one of the key players in maintaining the hospital in Newark during the 1967 riots.

"We didn’t want to just leave the city with all of its problems," Bornstein said. "We felt we needed to stay."

Gov. Jon Corzine said the medical center was one of the best in the country in cardiology. The governor also said Oren is an "incredible" advocate for Israel.

"Israel is our most important ally across the globe," Corzine said.

The alliance between the two countries is not only surviving, but also flourishing, Oren said. He added the economy there is robust and has just seen its largest tourist season in 62 years.

"We are united in a mutual respect," he said.

With at least two direct flights to Israel every day, Newark is a big transportation hub for Israel, according to Oren, who was raised in West Orange. He also said the Garden State is "roughly the same size as Israel."

The ambassador also said what he called the "Iranian issue" poses a threat on multiple levels, with a missile system that can already reach France, and may not be far from reaching Newark.

To help thwart any nuclear weapons aspirations Iran might have, Oren said discussions are ongoing with New Jersey legislators over a possible divestment so that pension funds and financing do not benefit Iran’s energy or financial sectors.

Oren said he appreciates President Obama’s support of resuming peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

"We deeply appreciate his commitment to Israel’s security," said Oren, who changed his name from Bornstein when he moved to Israel 30 years ago so he could have a Hebrew name, according to his mother, Marilyn Bornstein.

Local officials, such as Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., also recognize Israel’s impact on the community, said Joyce Goldman, Essex County director of constituent services.