Tell us about your nominee. Why should he or she be recognized as a Jewish Community Hero?
Tibi noticed that Jewish business owners had no "central organization" to share Jewish business values and ethics with each other as well as the non-Jewish community. His purpose became to unite the San Diego Jewish business community, while introducing Jewish values, ethics, and culture to the non-Jewish neighbors. For that purpose, Tibi participated in founding the San Diego Jewish Chamber of commerce. The chamber helps professionals and business owners fulfill their values, enhance their skills, and grow their business, through synergy and collaboration, in a Jewish cultural environment.
Since he became the San Diego chapter president and chairman of the board, Tibi has been helping implement "best practices" in the Chamber's leadership. He is the driving force behind the Chamber's contribution to the San Diego business community. While volunteering to lead the chambers community wide collaboration, he has been mentoring quite a few individuals personally, as well as constantly helping families and individuals to establish and achieve personal fulfillment.
What problem did your nominee identify in the community that needed to be solved? How has your nominee's efforts made a difference for others?
Tibi Zohar dedicates about 70% of his time to volunteering, mentoring, and community involvement. His philosophy is a constant chant: "if you give yourself wholeheartedly, karma will notice and provide for you, allowing you to continue". With "service first" as his mantra, Tibi finds that allocating 30% of his time to his financial planning business is enough.
Tibi Zohar immigrated with his family to California from Israel in January of 2001. It took him five years to establish a successful financial planning practice, and stabilize his personal life. Once that was accomplished, Tibi turned his attention to the San Diego Jewish and Israeli community:
In early 2007 Tibi was asked by the Israel Center Committee to co-chair the "Israel @ 60" sub-committee with his wife Tami. Tibi volunteered to lead the team who planned, coordinated and produced over 70 events across all San Diego Jewish organizations, for the whole anniversary Year. Tibi's community leadership helped unite the entire community around the israel @ 60 project, culminating at the most festive Israel celebration in May 2008.
In 2006 Tibi joined the board of CISD (Community of Israeli's in San Diego), and volunteered for the benefit of the Israeli community needs in Town, emphasizing assistance for Israeli new re-locators to San Diego. At the same time Tibi joined the board of the House Of Israel in Balboa Park, and was voted as first VP of community relations within a few months. Tibi volunteered to promote the HOI in the community, and help bring in more volunteers and donors. Later that year Tibi joined the Israel Center committee under the San Diego United Jewish Federation.
