Beth David Synagogue’s November Luncheon will be held on Saturday, November 9. Mark Yonaty will speak on “Binghamton Transformed: Downtown Binghamton Ten Years Later and Going Strong!” The community is invited to attend. Morning services will begin at 9:30 am, with the luncheon and program following the conclusion of services. The luncheon is free and open to the public.

At the November 2014 BD luncheon, Yonaty gave the talk “Shaping the Binghamton of the Future: An Insider’s Perspective.” Organizers said, “Since 10 years have passed, Yonaty has graciously agreed to bring us up to date about the numerous endeavors he has succeeded in bringing to fruition during that time span, and what lies ahead in his vision of downtown Binghamton. This will also be a special opportunity for everyone to share their reactions to the renovations they have seen in downtown Binghamton and what other projects they would look forward to seeing.”

Born and raised in Binghamton, Yonaty graduated from Hillel Academy and studied at SUNY Broome and Binghamton University. “From an early age, Yonaty was eager to work, and his entrepreneurial mindset started when he took part in the family business, which included his father’s Hess Gas Station on State Street,” organizers said. “Yonaty has become one of the chief developers in revitalizing downtown Binghamton and we couldn’t be prouder!” 

Yonaty is the owner of M.B. Development and has been involved in projects that include the creation of new restaurants, residences and spaces for community services. He said that he is particularly proud of the new eateries he has created that have brought more business to downtown Binghamton. Yonaty indicated that his passion for real estate, and real estate development, has resulted in the restoration and repurposing of buildings that are part of Binghamton’s architectural history. This includes his most recent project, which is the opening of the Station 45 Chophouse, located in the old Lackawanna Train Station, a space that also serves as a space for local businesses. 

Among the many awards garnered by Yonaty is the 2020 Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Yonaty said his wife, Inessa, is an instrumental part of his business, and they jointly own The Goldsmith jewelry store in Binghamton, as well as Vintageness Consignment Boutique in Vestal. They were both honored in June 2023 with Hillel Academy’s N. Theodore Sommer Community Service Award. Most recently, Yonaty was honored by the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier for his restoration of the Lackawanna Train Station.

“I love this part of upstate New York. We live in an area that’s a hidden gem,” Yonaty added. “There are lots of reasons to stay in our community and to make people aware of the beauty of moving here. I’ve always called Binghamton home, and am now proud to be raising my family here and to be giving back to a community that has given so much to me!” 

Beth David’s luncheon speaker series takes place the second Saturday of the month after Shabbat morning services, and is open to the community. There is no charge for the luncheon. Since the monthly series’ continuation depends on the generosity of contributors, Beth David welcomes and appreciates donations to the Luncheon Fund in order to keep the program going. Donations can be made in honor of or in memory of someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those wishing an acknowledgment to be sent to the person being honored, or to the family of someone being remembered, can indicate that, along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund.