Philanthropist David Cordish and His Family Honored With Yemin Orde Tikkun Halev Award

Israel Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren and his wife, Sally Oren, welcomed guests to their home in Washington, D.C. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador said that Yemin Orde held a special place in his heart.

Baltimore-based businessman and philanthropist David Cordish and his family received the first Yemin Orde Tikkun Halev Award for their humanitarian and philanthropic efforts on behalf of at-risk children in Israel. Tikkun Halev means healing the heart in Hebrew.

The award was presented to the Cordish family on May 8, 2012, during a special program hosted by Friends of Yemin Orde (FYO) and Israel Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren and his wife, Sally Oren. Guests included FYO Board Members as well as Board Members of AIPAC, American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

The Cordish family has strongly supported Friends of Yemin Orde for more than a decade. David serves on the Friends of Yemin Orde National Board and he was instrumental in helping to create the Friends of Yemin Orde Endowment Fund. His son, Jon, serves onthe Fund's Investment Committee. Jon and Melissa's son, Sam, connected with the children at Yemin Orde during a visit to the Village. Blake and Angie generously designated Friends of Yemin Orde as the beneficiary of wedding gifts made in their honor. Reed and his wife, Maggie, are enthusiastic supporters of Yemin Orde, as well. Suzi and David have graciously hosted Chaim Peri and other guests for Yemin Orde gatherings at their home.

Ambassador Oren welcomed guests and reflected on the special meaning behind the Yemin Orde name and its connection to the youth village: “Orde Wingate was one of the founding fathers of the Jewish state,” Ambassador Oren said. “It is only fitting that the name Wingate be emblazoned on this extraordinary institution which is about forming Israeli society, taking diverse elements and bringing them together in a way that embodies the…spirit, body, courage and commitment of Orde Wingate,” Ambassador Oren said.

Chaim Peri, Director-Emeritus, Yemin Orde Youth Village, presented the award to David and Suzi Cordish. The inclusiveness, generosity and values of the Cordish family, Peri said, represents the generosity of people worldwide who have helped build the Village “brick by brick. Thank you for doing your best to… create a better Israel.”

David Cordish is Chairman of The Cordish Companies, which is based in Baltimore and is one of the largest and most respected developers in the world. He serves on the Friends of Yemin Orde National Board and was instrumental in helping to create its Endowment Fund. His three sons, Jon, Blake and Reed all share enthusiasm and support for Yemin Orde, as well. “Yemin Orde is the best of Israel in so many ways,” said Cordish.

Click here to read about the history of Yemin Orde and Orde Charles Wingate.