Beth David Synagogue’s Annual Dinner will take place on Sunday, May 3, with the Jack and Mary Ferber Award being given to honoree Mark Yonaty for his service and dedication to Beth David and the community. This year’s catered event will begin at 3 pm at the synagogue, with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour followed by a catered sit-down dinner at 4 pm. The cost per person is $65, with sponsorship opportunities available. Invitations will be sent out in April, as well as raffle tickets for purchase for the cash prizes at the event. Those wanting further information can contact the synagogue at 607-722-1793 or by e-mail at bethdavid@stny.rr.com. 
Born and raised in Binghamton, Yonaty is the son of Beth David members Marcy and Gavriel Yonaty, longtime residents of the area. A graduate of Hillel Academy, Yonaty completed his studies at what is now SUNY Broome, and furthered his education at Binghamton University. Entrepreneurship for him began at an early age, when he rolled up his sleeves to be part of the family business at his father’s State Street Hess gas station. 
His devotion to Beth David has taken many forms over the years. “Taking time out of his busy work schedule,” organizers say, “Mark has made time to be the guest speaker at Beth David’s Luncheon Speaker series. His first presentation, in 2014, was entitled ‘Shaping the Binghamton of the Future: an Insider’s Perspective.’ When he returned again in 2024, he impressed his Beth David audience with all that he has succeeded in accomplishing, and what his future projects comprise. Mark has continuously and steadfastly been one of the key developers in making downtown Binghamton a vibrant go-to place!” 
As the owner of M.B. Development, Yonaty has been in the forefront of creating new restaurants, housing and areas for community services. Particularly committed to real estate and real estate development, he has sought to revitalize downtown Binghamton through the creation of new eateries and the repurposing of buildings that, instead of being demolished, continue to be used and reflect Binghamton’s architectural history. “I’ve always considered downtown Binghamton a diamond in the rough,” he added, “and my love of this place has enabled me, along with my business partners, to bring to fruition the vision I have for it.” Among his most recent projects was the purchase of the old Lackawanna Train Station, which now houses the Station 45 Chophouse, along with providing space for local businesses. He and his wife Inessa are the proprietors of The Goldsmith and Vintageness Consignment Boutique.
Among the many awards garnered by Yonaty is the 2020 Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He and his wife Inessa were Hillel Academy’s honorees in 2023 at its 59th annual journal event, where they received the N. Theodore Sommer Award for their “exceptional impact on the Broome County community.”
“Beth David Synagogue has been a part of my life since I was born, and I am deeply honored to be receiving its Jack and Mary Ferber Award. Inessa and I look forward to celebrating this milestone along with our family, friends and the Binghamton community. We have been to past Beth David annual award dinners and know that the event will be elegant, delicious and joyful!” Yonaty said.