Israeli Musician Performs at Music Festival in Honor of Lis Family

Community leaders Hannan and Lisa Lis were honored Saturday night at a patron event and concert featuring award-winning Israeli musician David Broza as part of the seventh annual  . The performance took place at the new , located within the West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center.

The honorees, who live in Farmington Hills, were introduced by Lisa’s mother, Florine Mark, president and CEO of The WW (Weight Watchers) Group Inc. According to Mark, “love” and “commitment” are the two words which best describe her daughter and son-in-law. She said the couple exhibits these qualities to each other; to their children's friends, and extended families; to their community; and to the state of Israel.

The concert had special meaning to the honorees and the musician, who have been personal friends for 25 years.

Hannan Lis, a native of Haifa, Israel, is an international entrepreneur who has been involved in numerous organizations, including the local chapter of the American Technion Society, the Jewish National Fund, and the American Diabetes Association.

His wife, Lisa, serves on many committees helping to promote a variety of social action and Jewish programs, including Gleaners Community Food Bank and The Jewish Women’s Foundation.

Linda Lee, who co-chairs the Gottlieb Festival with Rick Sherline, commended Lisa Lis for “her non-nonsense attitude and commitment to causes.”

“My parents are great community activists,” said Aviv Lis, 14, the youngest of the couple’s four children.

'Every artist is going to want to play here'

Many of Broza’s guitar compositions are based on the works of poets from countries throughout the world. His repertoire included a song from an album based on the works of American country-folk musician Townes van Zandt, which was produced with the help of a group of local supporters, including Hannan Lis.

“This is a wonderful night,” said Hannan Lis. “I’m glad that people who have never heard David before were able to enjoy his music.”

“We’re thrilled to be part of the inauguration of the Berman theater; it’s a real gem for the Jewish community,” said Lisa Lis.

Broza, who donated the earnings from his performance in honor of the Lis family, was impressed with the new performing arts venue, which officially opened on March 23 with a concert by composer Marvin Hamlisch.

“This is the best sounding stage I’ve played in since I can remember,” said Broza, “The theater is exquisitely and impeccably built. Every artist is going to want to play here.”

Persons who donated $360 or more to the JCC Stephen Gottlieb Music Festival enjoyed a post-concert patron reception presented by Credit Union One.

“This theater is very quickly becoming the heart and soul of the (Jewish Community) Center,” said JCC President Mark Litt. “After only a few performances, we’re experiencing a bump in our programming and our attendance. We call it ‘the Berman bump’.”

The JCC Stephen Gottlieb Music Festival runs through Sunday, April 3, at the JCC in Oak Park and the Berman Center in West Bloomfield. For tickets and information contact 248-661-1000 or visit jccdet.org.