Join us for a film screening and talkback in our Bendheim Performing Arts Center with Doug Seserman, CEO of Americans for Ben Gurion University.
This documentary uncovers the story of a mysterious Long Island Jewish couple whose half-a-billion-dollar gift to Israel, the largest single gift in the state’s history, inspires peace and climate action through water tech. The film weaves together the life stories of Lottie and Howard Marcus, Holocaust refugees leading a quiet life in a San Diego apartment. Astonishingly, they chose to bequeath their substantial wealth to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to advance the study of water management and contribute to regional conflict resolution in Israel.
The Marcuses’ story goes beyond philanthropy, revealing how their generosity stemmed from gratitude for life itself. Featuring insights from figures like Warren Buffett, Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, historian Daniel Gordis, bestselling philosopher Micah Goodman, E. Randol Schoenberg, and author and activist Seth M. Siegel, the film highlights the profound impact of the couple’s extraordinary gift.
Join us before the screening for a special Tu B’Shevat reception with Negev wine and cheese sponsored by Americans for Ben-Gurion University.
Cost: $10 per person
6:00–6:45 PM: Reception
7:00–8:30 PM: Film Screening and Q&A
About the Presenter
Doug Seserman is the CEO of Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) and is known for his creative business vision. He joined A4BGU in 2017 after leading JEWISHcolorado for over 15 years, where he helped Colorado pass anti-BDS legislation. Named one of the World’s 50 Most Influential Jews by the Jerusalem Post in 2023, Doug has also been honored with the 2017 Gold Stevie Nonprofit Executive of the Year award and was listed in the Forward 50 for reimagining Jewish Federation operations.