May 20, 2025 — Miami
The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU proudly hosted a delegation of 50 Asian tourism professionals and local community leaders on May 17, as part of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) second annual Asian-American Community Tour of Greater Miami & Miami Beach. The event honored both Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM) and Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), spotlighting the cultural richness and shared values of Miami’s diverse communities.
Organized in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board and sponsored by the GMCVB and American Jewish Committee (AJC), the tour served as a vibrant reflection of what makes Miami so special—a celebration of diversity, heritage, unity, and cross-cultural understanding. “By honoring both AANHPIHM and JAHM, we uplift the unique contributions of these communities and highlight the strength found in connection,” said Connie Kinnard, SVP of Multicultural Tourism & Development at GMCVB.
“AJC is proud to be part of this inspiring initiative that brings communities together through shared values and heritage,” said Brian Siegal, Regional Director of AJC Miami and Broward. “With meaningful remarks from leaders like Joshua Ho of the Miami-Dade Asian-American Advisory Board and Katie Phang, a prominent Korean-American voice in media and law—as well as the presence of media personality Alberto Sardiñas and AJC Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA) national board members Roger and Margrit Bernstein—this event was more than a celebration. It was a powerful act of solidarity and a testament to the bridges we continue to build across cultures.”
Attendees enjoyed a guided tour of the museum’s permanent and special exhibitions led by Executive Director Susan Gladstone Pasternack, offering insight into the rich history of Jewish life in Florida.
“We were honored to share the stories of Jewish life in Florida, reinforcing the idea that our histories are interconnected and our future is strongest when we celebrate one another,” said Susan Gladstone Pasternack.
The program concluded with a culinary experience featuring Israeli cuisine from Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen, helmed by James Beard Award-nominated Chef/Owner Samuel Gorenstein, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
Additional tour stops included the On Leong Merchant Association, Sacred Vedic Arts Bhakti-Yoga Cultural Center, and Ichimura Miami Japan Garden. Together, these visits offered a powerful reminder of the beauty found in cultural exchange and the vibrancy that defines Greater Miami.
