Aventura honors founder Don Soffer; city hosts Israel reservist and proclaims Epilepsy Awareness Month

Mayor Howard Weinberg and the Aventura City Commission on Nov. 4 presented a proclamation honoring developer and philanthropist Don Soffer and invited family members and community leaders to offer remembrances.

"Don was a creative genius," Weinberg said in opening remarks, praising Soffer’s role in shaping the city’s parks, schools and commercial centers. Family members recalled personal memories: Jeffrey, a family member, said his father "was very proud of the city and what he accomplished" and thanked the commission for the recognition. The commission read a proclamation and declared Nov. 4, 2025, Don Soffer Remembrance Day.

The commission also hosted representatives from the Israel Destiny Foundation. Naftali Kandler introduced Tomer, identified as a battalion commander and Israeli army reservist who was wounded in a refugee‑camp engagement. Tomer described returning from private‑sector life to lead soldiers after Oct. 6 and urged communities to hold to values of unity and care. "We are a country of values," Tomer said.

Mayor Weinberg said Aventura "stands with Israel," noting the city previously sent an ambulance to Modi'in and that the commission’s remarks reflected unanimous support.

Separately the commission proclaimed November 2025 as Epilepsy Awareness Month. Lina Menendez of the Epilepsy Alliance thanked the commission for the recognition and highlighted that epilepsy affects millions of Americans and that awareness can reduce stigma and improve access to care.

The presentations concluded with the commission inviting families, guests and commissioners to pose for a photograph and continue community engagement on the topics presented.