A Brief Look at Famous New York Friars Club Members

Harvey Bell is a board member of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), a non-profit dedicated to pro-Israel activities since 1897. A long-time New Jersey resident, Harvey Bell is also a member of New York’s Friars Club.

Founded in 1904, the Friars Club is a private social club at the Martin Erdmann House, located close to Madison and Park Avenue. Occupying six floors, the club has a card room, gym, bar, two lounges, and billiards room. The Club holds its annual celebrity comedy roasts. It counts top comedians, actors, New York socialites, and even a president among its members.

Former President Donald Trump, Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Carol Burnett, Tom Cruise, Barbra Streisand are current high profile Friars Club members. Dean Martin, Lucille Ball, Richard Pryor, and Robin Williams were also members before they passed on. To become a member of the Friars Club, two current members must make a recommendation on your behalf.

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ZOA Supports Israel’s Full Sovereignty Goal

A professional financial advisor and a longtime resident of New Jersey, Harvey Bell draws on more than three decades of experience in the financial service industry. Outside his profession, Harvey Bell stays involved in philanthropic activities and was named to the board of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA).

The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is the oldest known pro-Israel organization in the United States, with several offices in Israel and in the U.S. In June 2020, the organization announced its strong support for Israel’s endeavor to apply sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and Judea and Samaria, which has been backed by multiple international laws, including League of Nation Covenant – Article 22, UN Charter Article 30, and San Remo Resolution.

The Jordan Valley has been the natural defensive barrier of Israel’s land. With full sovereignty, Israel can be assured defensible and secured borders. In addition, normalcy, stability, and protection of already established Israeli laws for about 500,000 Jewish residents of the land will ensure the protection of this race from ethnic cleansing.

About the ZOA’s Unique Mission

Longtime New Jersey resident Harvey Bell attended Texas A & M University, where he earned his MBA in finance. A licensed financial advisor, he serves as managing director and senior portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Harvey Bell was named a board member of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA).

Founded in 1897, the ZOA focuses on educating elected officials, the public, and the media about the reality of the Arab war against Israel, which has not resolved. The organization devotes utmost effort to fighting for the Jewish population and the Land of Israel. With offices at various locations across both countries, the organization is committed to promoting strengthened U.S-Israel relations.

For decades, the ZOA has been active in movements to protect Jewish high school and college students from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation, through their larger fight against anti-Semitism. Its ZOA Campus department also offers resources, counseling, and support to students who wish to educate themselves about Zionism.

The ZOA’s Center for Law and Justice helps Israel and the Jewish people through the court system. For example, it filed a lawsuit against the State Department for ignoring the law requiring that “Jerusalem, Israel” be stamped on the passports of U.S. citizens who are born there. It also assisted in shutting down 10 pro-terrorist web sites.

Friars Club Adopt-A-Scholar Program for Aspiring Entertainers

A graduate of Texas A & M University and longtime New Jersey resident, Harvey Bell holds a master of business administration in finance. Harvey Bell has more than 35 years of professional experience as well as diverse philanthropic interests that include support of the Friars Club.

Established in 1904, the Friars Club upholds a commitment to brotherhood and camaraderie among entertainers. In addition to hosting annual celebrity “roasts,” the members-only organization operates a charitable arm, the Friars Club Foundation, which supports arts and education through its Adopt-A-Scholar program.

Since 2007, Adopt-A-Scholar has awarded four-year scholarships to students aspiring to careers in the performing arts. Adopt-A-Scholar provides $3,000 annually to support the next generation of artists and entertainers, with the goal of building capital to continue the scholarship program for years to come. To date, the Friars Club Foundation has provided financial support to help more than 360 students attend theater programs in liberal arts schools including Fordham University, New York University, Columbia University, and Brooklyn College.