Mitchell Rudin honored. (Transcripts).

American Friends of the Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) honored Mitchell E. Rudin, president of U.S. Transaction Services for Insignia/ESG, Inc., at its first annual awards dinner, held in November at the New York Hilton. The gala event brought together more than 500 friends and colleagues from the Jewish and real estate business communities.

JCT inaugurated its annual honors program to recognize a New York region professional who, through his or her work and/or charitable activity, plays an important role in promoting the Israeli culture and tradition. Founded in 1969, the Jerusalem College of Technology is one of Israel's major academic institutions of higher education specializing in high-tech engineering.

"I am extremely honored that JCT has selected me as the first recipient of the prestigious award," said Rudin. "Especially in these difficult times, American Jewry must be more vigilant than ever in its support of Israel's educational institutions."

The highlights of the evening were an address by Ethiopian-born student, Yoni Wata, and surprise remarks by Rudin's sons, Scott and Ben - all of whom received standing ovations.

Rudin has long supported organizations related to Israel, including the Women's International Zionist Organization and the Israel Cancer Research Fund. This past summer, he represented the United States - as he also did in 1993 and 1997 - on the Masters Basketball Team in the Maccabiah Games in Israel. Despite a warning against traveling to the region at that time, Rudin was among the many Jewish Americans who felt it vital to show their solidarity and support for Israel and attended and participated in the Games, helping bring home the bronze medal for his team. Rudin oversees Insignia/ESG's tenant representation, investment sales, industrial sales and leasing, and strategic agency operations nationwide. Among his many industry affiliations, Rudin is on the Executive Committee of New York University's Real Estate Institute, is a Council Chair at the Urban Land Institute, on the Advisory Board of the Realtors Commercial Alliance and a frequent lecturer on real estate topics. He lives in Scarsdale, NY, with h is wife, Bonnie, and their sons.