Terra’s David Martin and Northwind’s Ran Eliasaf Make the Case for Business-Led Philanthropy at American Friends of NATAL’s First Miami Evening, With Cuba Gooding Jr. in the Crowd

On the oceanfront terrace of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, two of South Florida’s most active real estate figures traded deal talk for something bigger. Terra CEO David Martin and Northwind Group founder Ran Eliasaf took the stage on November 5 for a fireside chat on what Miami’s business leaders owe their communities, with Paul Hess, Principal at BeHold Property Group, moderating.

The occasion was “An Evening of Impact,” the first-ever formal Miami event from American Friends of NATAL (AFN), which supports NATAL, Israel’s leading trauma and resiliency center. More than 100 guests turned out, including Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and his wife, Shanyn, and four-time Paralympian Pascale Bercovitch.

Where Business and Philanthropy Meet

Martin, Eliasaf, who also serves as AFN’s Board Chair, and Hess are all active real estate investors, and their conversation covered leadership, risk, mentorship and the role business can play in strengthening communities. The conversation went beyond writing a check, focusing on how business leaders can put their networks and expertise to work for NATAL’s mission.

Martin brought a builder’s view of community. Since founding Terra in 2001, he has shaped more than eight million square feet of South Florida real estate, and his firm is known for pairing ambitious design with resilience and public space. He also serves on Miami-Dade’s Biscayne Bay Task Force and Sea Level Rise Committee and chairs the Neighborhoods Committee for The Underline.

A Personal Story, Three Generations Deep

The night’s most moving moment came when Eliasaf shared why NATAL matters to him. His father was an Israeli Air Force fighter pilot, and one of his father’s closest friends from flight school, the late Dr. Itamar Barnea, was shot down over Syria during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and held as a prisoner of war. When he returned, Barnea turned to psychology, going on to serve as chief psychologist of the Israeli Air Force, then of the IDF, and later of NATAL.

“My father’s generation was told, ‘You went through something bad. Don’t talk about it. Go back to flying,’” Eliasaf said. “I think his entire generation has been dealing with trauma. Walking into NATAL and finding Itamar there, I understood what this place is for: so the next generation doesn’t have to carry it in silence. After October 7, NATAL’s services are needed even more.”

Eliasaf also spoke about the values he and his wife, Isabelle Bichler-Eliasaf, try to pass on to their children, a theme that ran through the night: what one generation gives the next.

Taking NATAL’s Expertise to the World

A central theme was NATAL Global, the organization’s effort to share what it has learned from decades of treating trauma from war and terror with communities around the world. Its “train the trainers” model prepares local professionals to treat trauma where it happens, so communities don’t depend on outside help when a crisis hits. Guests also discussed potential upcoming NATAL programs in the United States.

“Miami Showed Up”

“At this event, Miami showed up for Israel’s healing,” said Maayan Aviv, CEO of American Friends of NATAL. “We had people who remember 1973, parents raising families through today’s headlines, and young leaders who want to build something that lasts, all in one room, all asking how they can help. Trauma doesn’t end when the fighting stops. Left untreated, it passes from one generation to the next. Breaking that cycle is NATAL’s work, and Miami is now part of it.”

The evening was made possible by sponsors David Hait, Doron Valero of Global Fund Investments Inc. and aedn, and all proceeds support NATAL’s trauma treatment and resilience programs in Israel.

Next up, the momentum moves to New York: the American Friends of NATAL Annual Gala takes place Tuesday, November 10, at 6 p.m. in New York City and will feature returned hostage Alon Ohel, who will speak and perform.