Bringing a little bit of Israel to Oklahoma has been the mission of the OKlahoma Israel Exchange (OKIE) for over three decades, but this fall OKIE imported something completely unexpected! 

More than 250 OKC VIPs met at Convergence OKC for a sound and light experience never before seen outside of Jerusalem — A Night Spectacular — the result of a unique collaboration between the Tower of David Museum in the Old City of Jerusalem and OKIE. The high energy crowd enjoyed a cocktail reception that included Israeli boutique wines in sight of a stunning view of the city skyline prior to the program. Guests entered under an arched truss lit by the neon signs of OKIE to a breathtaking room reminiscent of New York chic.

Attendees were exceptional and influential, starting with Honorary Co-chairmen Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Lieutenant Governor Chris Anoatubby and Co-Chairs Major General Larita Aragon Watson and Gary Watson, Major General Lee and Rhonda Levy, and Major Eli and Orly Goldschmit, who all hold Oklahoma and Israel dear to their hearts. 

Those gathered to mark the occasion included Governor David and First Lady Rhonda Walters; Israeli Consul General Livia Link-Raviv; Senators Carri Hicks and Kristin Thompson; Representative Ellyn Hefner; Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond; Chickasaw Secretary of State Bill Lance; Chickasaw Secretary of Education Nathan Elliott; Chickasaw Nation Cabinet Executive Officer Tammy Gray; Chickasaw Nation Legislators Lisa Impson and Nancy Elliott; former OSU President Burns and First Cowgirl Ann Hargis; and Founding Chairman of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Bob Johnson. If you scanned the room, the diversity of the esteemed crowd certainly impressed! 

To begin the program, University of Oklahoma professor Jacob Pleasant played guitar while chanting the traditional havdallah blessings that end shabbat and wish all sweet week ahead. Co-chairman Rhonda Levy greeted the crowd and drew their attention to the big screen where a video highlighted the work of OKIE. Then Edie Roodman, OKIE’s executive director, read an analogy of honorary co-chairman Governor Bill Anoatubby as Shel Silverstein’s Giving Tree and presented him with a certificate announcing that a grove of a thousand trees planted in his name in Israel. 

She then recognized the steadfast support of honorary co-chair Lieutenant Governor Chris Anoatubby with a gift of a hamsa in the traditional Chickasaw colors of red and white. Following her to the stage was OKIE President Jonna Kirschner, who provided a warm introduction for the President’s Award recipient and long-time friend of OKIE, Michael Pone. Israeli Consul General Livia Link-Raviv shared a few remarks and led the motzi, the traditional blessing over bread, before inviting attendees to dine. 

Guests experienced a specially crafted culinary fusion incorporating elements of Oklahoma and Israeli traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Kam’s Kookery’s chefs received rave reviews about the fresh spin on gourmet fare, which was complimented by carefully selected boutique Israeli wines. The Israeli touches were enhanced by the table centerpieces — miniature olive trees, the fragrant herb hyssop, and the colorful national flower anemones — that are all abundant in Israel. Wrapping up the meal was that quintessential OKC favorite, brandy ice. 

As the meal ended, Major General Larita Aragon Watson and Major Eli Goldschmit read prayers in English and Hebrew for safety and wisdom of those in the armed forces of the U.S. and Israel. Governor David Walters, who signed the original memorandum of understanding between Oklahoma and Israel over 20 years ago, related stories (and shared a few jokes) about Reverend Dr Bob Long, the recipient of the LIGHT LEADERSHIP LEGACY award for his steadfast commitment to combating antisemitism. His words of thanks deeply moved the crowd.  

OKIE board member Joy Hofmeister gave a shout out to lead donors Premiere Chickasaw Nation and Primary Convergence, Bill and Sherri Lance, and Patti and Rob Lewis. She then hyped up the crowd as she introduced A Night Spectacular. Its powerful music was the perfect accompaniment to the artistic panoramic projection of lights and poignant storytelling of the program. The crowd left inspired and awed, feeling they had just been transported into the heart of the Old City surrounded by its ancient and majestic walls.

Marnie Taylor and Sue Ann Arnall take a paparazzi pose at the OKIE Signature Event.

Executive Director Edie Roodman gives a BIG thank you to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby for his steadfast support of OKIE.

OKIE President Jonna Kirschner presents the President’s Award to longtime OKIE friend and tireless volunteer Michael Pone.

Governor David Walters gives a light-hearted yet poignant introduction of the LIGHT LEADERSHIP LEGACY award honoree, Rev. Dr. Bob Long.

Governor David Walters, Ford Austin, and Burns Hargis exchange quips prior to the program.

Lisa Synar, Meg Salyer, and Meghan Hann all sport cocktail chic LBDs.

Ann and Burns Hargis, middle, are flanked by (left to right) Gentner and Wendy Drummond and Donna and Len Cason before sipping Israeli boutique wines and savoring Oklahoma-inspired appetizers.