Author: The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

“The worst part is that nobody believes us,” a survivor of the October 7th massacre told Meredith Jacobs during her trip to Israel following the attack. This one small sentence would go on to spark a global movement. As the CEO of Jewish Women International, Meredith’s job had been to advocate for the end of gender-based violence, and during her tenure at the organization, the projects were mostly based in the United States. But in that moment, Meredith realized there was something more. The deluge of social media posts and news articles were coming out denying or justifying the sexual violence that was a well-documented component of the attack was staggering.  “How can you see [the documentation], and hear their testimonies, and not believe, and not feel empathy?” Meredith wondered.  

DISINFORMATION AND DENIAL 

In partnership with the Seed the Dream Foundation, Jewish Women International decided to take action and seek to explain what was happening both on land and online. They created the I Believe Israeli Women Global Movement and began a massive research project led by retired US Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Meryl Frank. The result was an astounding report examining how digital platforms are being used around the globe to deny the use of conflict-related sexual violence, manipulate public perceptions, retraumatize survivors and prevent accountability.  

The Fund for Women and Girls at the Jewish Community Foundation engages community members in the Greater Washington area in collective learning, amplifying the voices of the most vulnerable, and giving to accelerate better conditions and outcomes for women and girls in Israel, and here in our region. After two rounds of grantmaking to Israeli organizations supporting women and girls after October 7th, the Fund learned from grantees that many of the organizations did not have the capacity to combat the disinformation campaigns online, and were having to allocate crucial resources to building a body of evidence, rather than providing crisis response services to their stakeholders.  The report caught the attention of the fund as a way to amplify and spread awareness about the realities Israeli women were facing. 

BOTS, TROLL FARMS & ALGORITHMS 

The report debuted on April 3rd, 2025, in Washington, DC to an audience of diplomats, congressional staff and community leaders – including members of the Fund for Women and Girls at the Jewish Community Foundation who co-sponsored the event. “There are 21 reported ongoing cases of conflict related sexual violence,” Ambassador Frank shared with attendees, “but what was unique to Israel was the speed and scale of disinformation. Thirty to forty percent of the posts were traced to bots and troll farms from Russia and Iran.”  

In looking deeper at conflicts in Myanmar, Ukraine, Sudan, Iraq and Israel a disturbing pattern emerged.

In each country social media was used to simultaneously glorify the violence, and to paint the survivors as liars, often manipulating evidence and using deliberate disinformation in the process. “In a climate of uncertainty, bad actors can take advantage. This both prevents other survivors from coming forward and works to deny what traditional reports have found,” explained veteran journalist, Laura Adkins at the event.  

“No matter what, no matter how difficult, you keep telling the truth,” Efrat Hochstetler, Counselor for Public Diplomacy who oversees media at the Embassy of Israel. Efrat’s team has taken on the daunting task of navigating how to share the truth while protecting survivors and families of victims and upholding the privacy and dignity of those affected, often working around the clock during the first months of the crisis.  

BELIEVING ISRAELI WOMEN – 5 ACTIONS TO TAKE TODAY 

“After October 7th, everyone wanted to do something, but no one knew what to do,” Ambassador Frank shared, a sentiment that has been felt across our broader Jewish Federation of Greater Washington community. When opening any of the multitude of social media apps we use daily, it is easy to feel helpless as an individual, but the panel emphasized the power in taking collective action as a community.  They provided a toolkit of tangible actions we can use to address the disinformation and denial online: 

1. Report posts promptly on social media platforms you use when you see harmful content, doxxing, or misinformation.  
2. Promote and share credible and verifiable testimony from survivors and witnesses.  
3. Expand media literacy programs in schools and workplaces 
4. Encourage peers to correct misinformation in their own networks 
5. Support organizations and funds that partner with trusted community voices and survivor-led initiatives.  

The report details a full list of recommendations including actions for governments, technology platforms, organizations, and individuals including supporting data transparency, and global adoption of the Berkeley Protocol to standardize the collection, verification and usage of data connected to conflict-related sexual violence.  

As for Meredith, Ambassador Frank, and the team at Jewish Women International, they are busy planning congressional hearings and advocacy at upcoming United Nations convenings. For them, this is only the beginning. “We will never have justice, but we may have historic justice,” Nava Ben Or, a member of The Dinah Project told Meredith when she brought the Believe Israeli Women delegation to the Knesset. “This is the first time I’ve felt hope.” 

HOW TO GIVE 

You can support the I Believe Israeli Women Global Movement with a gift to Jewish Women International through your donor advised fund by putting I Believe Israeli Women in the notes or directly at jwi.org 

You can contribute to The Fund for Women and Girls to support our continued grantmaking in support of Israeli women and girls through your DAF or by credit card.  

“Security starts with us in the community.”

This was the message delivered by Captain Ian Clark of the Montgomery County Police Department to more than 50 attendees from across the DMV at an all-day summit on April 8. Formed in 2023, JShield is the community security service organized by and housed within the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. The theme that prevention of threats to Jewish institutions and members of the community is not a duty that can be solely delegated to “the professionals” or hiring of security guards for events but requires, among other things, situational awareness, preparation and planning, communication and development of strong relationships with local and federal law enforcement and experts in the security space.

In his keynote address, former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff shared insights that resonated with participants, outlining several high-level factors contributing to the increase in threats to the Jewish Community. He began by explaining the buildup of stress within the U.S. over the last few decades. He identified the stress as developing from the 2008 recession, the COVID lockdown, foreign policy issues, tariffs, declining confidence in where the U.S. stands in the global landscape, and domestic terrorist attacks. Concurrently, with the increase in stress comes a heightened sense of threat and uncertainty and, subsequently, a reduction in personal inhibitions. He closed by emphasizing the importance of developing a culture of security in communities and that security is a team sport.

Rusty Rosenthal, the Executive Director of JShield, began his remarks by echoing this sentiment–emphasizing that JShield does not and was never intended to work in isolation. He described the partnerships that JShield, as a new agency, has forged with similar organizations focused on the Jewish community, such as Secure Community Network, ADL, JCRC, and other Federations’ security departments, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The presentations by Rosenthal and his team focused on the extensive expertise that each brings to the improvement of the security posture in the Jewish community.

Laura Katzif, Northern Virginia Security Advisor and Security Director at Pozez JCC highlighted her background in emergency preparedness—and the importance of understanding that threats to well-being go beyond active shooter to extreme weather, domestic feuds within families that are sometimes acted out in schools, and other dangers. Her perspective involves identifying risks in an organization and how to mitigate them. She identified the emergency preparedness process and the types of plans that might be needed. She characterized much of the approach of the JShield team as “teaching adaptability” because real-life conflict doesn’t follow a script.

Shay HaLevi, Deputy Director of Community Security, described the human reaction to threats and how he brings his training to individuals within an organization on a human level. That training ranges from breathing techniques for remaining calm to how a greeter may best approach an unknown person in an organizational setting.

Adam Bronstone, Grants Specialist, highlighted the assistance JShield provides in assisting organizations effectively apply for security grants. He also provided insight into the confusion about the current commitment to funding such grants in the future.

Ty Mooney, JShield Intelligence Analyst, explained the importance of reporting each incident on JShield’s Incident Reporting Form. That form allows JShield and its partners to receive information simultaneously. Additionally, JShield is working to refine the reporting forms to distill more actionable data for our region.

A summit highlight was a panel led by representatives from the Fairfax County, Montgomery County, and D.C. Metropolitan Police Departments. The consistent message they conveyed was to report any and all incidents, both big and small. They also took some time to explain the distinction between a hate bias incident versus a possible hate crime and took questions from attendees.

The summit also included a discussion of the relevance and possible continued threat posed to the United States by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. One panelist emphasized that the one common element among both foreign and domestic terrorists and extremists on both the right and the left is antisemitism.

Participants and panelists applauded the summit not just as an informative session but as a convening of all those in the community who either study, work to prevent, or want to forestall terrorism and other threats to the Jewish community.

JShield plans to hold the summit annually as it continues to increase its impact on the community and its awareness and participation in its own collective security.

This week, I had the privilege of witnessing something truly special—as I joined a group of Pre-K students from Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School on a field trip.

But this wasn’t just any field trip. Today, the group of four- and five-year-olds were reuniting with their older buddies from the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) Kensington Club, a program for adults with early-stage memory loss. Thanks to the Students Help and Reach Elders (SHARE) program, these friendships have bloomed since the fall, and the children could hardly wait to see their friends again.

A Shared Experience, A Lasting Bond

The purpose of the visit was to celebrate Passover – a Jewish holiday known for bringing multiple generations together.

The room buzzed with energy as everyone sang, colored, and shared stories about the holiday. Passover Bingo was a hit, and the Seder plate brought everyone together to try the traditional Passover foods. But what stood out most was the connection—the effortless ease with which the children and their older friends communicated, shared laughs, and celebrated.

More than Just a Visit

Although still young, just four or five years old, these kids truly care about their older friends.

Many of the children arrived with handmade cards, and they were eager to check in on their buddies.

The thoughtfulness and warmth in the room were palpable.

Jewish Joy in Action

Watching these interactions reminded me of what makes the Jewish community so powerful. It’s not just about the holidays—it’s about the connections we build along the way. In a room filled with laughter, stories, and shared moments, there was no hesitation, no walls, just Jewish joy in its simplest and most beautiful form.

The Jewish Federation is a proud partner with Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School and the Jewish Council for the Aging.

That’s the question we posed to our esteemed panel at our first-ever Northern Virginia-focused Federation Network event for Jewish business professionals on Friday, March 28. Set against the backdrop of Northern Virginia’s rapidly growing landscape, nearly 50 local professionals gathered to explore what it truly means to build spaces where community can address the challenges we face today.

The following panelists joined us to frame the conversation and provided valuable insights into the intersection of business growth, community engagement, and the challenges we face:

• Katie Cristol, CEO of Tysons Community Alliance
• Stacy Bell, AVP for Business Development & Real Estate at Inova Health Systems & Professor at George Mason University
• Dahlia Palchik, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Solving for Loneliness

Katie Cristol, CEO of the Tysons Community Alliance, shared her unique perspective on community development, describing it as a “third leg of the stool” when it comes to land use and economic development. Cristol emphasized that community development isn’t just about solving the housing crisis or tackling the climate crisis—it’s also a vital solution to the growing loneliness epidemic that many are experiencing. “What does community development help us have to say about our cities as solutions?” Cristol posed. “Not just for the housing crisis and the climate crisis, but also the loneliness epidemic that we’re experiencing?”

Her words sparked a deep reflection on how our cities and neighborhoods can serve as not only economic centers but also as hubs for connection, support, and belonging.

Touch Points That Build Community

Stacy Bell, an adjunct professor at George Mason University, brought a personal and practical perspective to the discussion. Bell spoke about how community development revolves around the connection points between people.

“It can be sports, it can be hobbies, it can be a book club,” she explained. “For me, community development is about the touch points, how to create them.”

Bell stressed that how we connect with others often depends on life stages—whether it’s through work, children’s activities, or hobbies—and that fostering those connection points is key to strong community development.

The idea of connection resonated with many in the room, as Bell underscored that community isn’t just about physical spaces, but the emotional and social ties we form with others.

Beyond the Building: Where Community Comes to Life

A particularly thought-provoking moment came from a reflection by Dahlia Palchik, who serves on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She highlighted the importance of built spaces like synagogues, schools, and community centers.

“A lot of it is the people, the food, the culture. But then as we think about those built spaces, whether it’s a formal space like the J(CC) or a shul, or whether it’s a school, how do we raise our families and build?”

As both a civic leader and anthropologist, Supervisor Palchik, reminded the audience of the role physical spaces play in bringing our values to life. These conversations left a lasting impression, reinforcing that community development is not just about creating infrastructure or economic growth; it’s about creating spaces—both physical and social—where people can thrive together.

Thank You to our Hosts and Leaders

Federation is grateful to David Schneider and Joel Regignano, who co-chaired this event, and to Holland & Knight and Lerner for their hospitality in hosting this wonderful networking event.

Want to Get Involved?

If you’re a Jewish business professional in Northern Virginia and want to participate in these meaningful conversations, we invite you to join our Federation Network. Visit our website or contact Sarah Green, Director of Donor Engagement, for more details.

Sunrise Israel’s mission is powerful in any year: to bring joy, hope, and resilience to Israeli children—Arab and Jewish—battling cancer, along with their healthy siblings. Through free summer day camps and year-round in-hospital programming, Sunrise Israel creates safe, inclusive spaces where children can just be kids.

But in the wake of the ongoing war with Hamas, their work is more vital than ever.

The Dual Crisis of War and Cancer

Each year, 450+ Israeli children are diagnosed with cancer. For these families, life becomes a blur of hospital visits, treatments, and mounting financial strain. These children often face social isolation due to compromised immune systems, missing out of the support and connection from everyday childhood experiences.

War, meanwhile, has only deepened these challenges. Sirens, rocket fire, and evacuations have become the new normal, layering trauma on top of an already overwhelming reality. Healthy siblings, too, are affected—often feeling overlooked as parents focus on the child who is sick.

Sunrise Day Camps provide a crucial outlet, offering children with cancer and their siblings a place to laugh, play, and connect—bringing moments of joy and relief during an incredibly difficult time.

A Summer of Joy and Healing

This summer, despite ongoing wartime disruptions, Sunrise Israel is preparing once again to welcome children back to camp. In 2024, thanks to generous support from our community, the organization was able to extend its flagship summer camp from 10 days to 12—offering even more time for children and families to connect, recharge, and heal. Now, as donor attention continues to shift toward causes more directly tied to the war, Sunrise is working hard to maintain that expanded scope while navigating staffing challenges caused by school closures and reserve duty obligations.

In 2024, Sunrise Israel also launched the Resilience and Emotional Assistance Program (REAP) to address the emotional well-being of children with cancer and their families during wartime. Thanks to this initiative, the organization trained additional professional counselors and volunteers, reaching over 1,000 young cancer patients across Israel.

We’re proud that, through support from Federation—via an Israel Crisis Relief Allocation and a Jewish Community Foundation Endowment Fund grant—our community helped make these critical expansions possible.

A Mother’s Perspective: “This Is Beyond Precious for Me”

Sigalit, mother of Zohar and Asher, shared:

“Every year, the day after camp, Zohar makes a calendar. On it he counts twelve months and marks the day in the following year that Sunrise is due to start. He literally counts down all year long for the first day of camp. And for the duration of camp, for the first time in a long time, I can have a breather, a break. I know that Osher and Zohar are together, having the most wonderful time – both together and in their separate age-groups. When I’ve visited camp, I’ve seen it with my very own eyes – I’ve seen the joy of them being together, the pride each one has in being brothers. Being here at camp, while in the midst of a cancer journey, helps them strengthen and deepen their sibling bond. And this is beyond precious for me.”

Looking Ahead: How You Can Help

As charitable funds divert to war-related causes, Sunrise Israel is working hard to maintain its life-changing programs while becoming more cost-effective. In the coming year, they hope to identify new donor partners, source more in-kind donations of food and transportation, bolster supplies of toys and games for the hospital programs and continue training staff to navigate the multicultural dynamics of their inclusive programs.

Together, we can help children facing cancer and their families experience the joy, hope, and resilience they so deeply deserve.

The Phyllis Margolius Family Foundation is thrilled to announce that Jennifer Scher has been named as the recipient of the 2025 Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award. Scher was selected by the committee for her work to foster support for Israel as Vice President of the MidAtlantic Region for Friends of the IDF (FIDF).

Scher is the third recipient of the Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award, given annually to a Jewish communal professional who echoes the character, inspiration, and determination of its namesake, Phyllis Ann Goldman Margolius. Phyllis cared deeply about strengthening the Jewish community in Washington, D.C., Israel, and around the world. Where others saw problems, she saw opportunities and solutions, pushing the needle forward and motivating those around her to do the same.

As part of the award, Scher will receive an $18,000 cash prize for her dedication to empowering Jewish identity and building meaningful connections to Israel.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award,” said Jennifer Scher. “Phyllis was a dynamic and transformative leader, and I am privileged to be associated with someone who was such a champion of Jewish life, Israel, and community. Since 2006, the Greater Washington, DC community has mentored and nurtured my professional growth. I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance of my lay and professional partners, who have been by my side for nearly 20 years. On October 8, 2023, in the heartbreak of tragedy and fog of war, I told my husband, ‘I am in this job at FIDF, in this moment, for a reason, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.’”

Scher has served as the Vice President of the MidAtlantic Region for FIDF for three years, where she champions Israel’s soldiers and educates communities on Israel’s security challenges. Under her guidance, FIDF has established a strong young leadership cohort, growing young Jews’ connection to Israel. She also spearheaded the establishment of a WhatsApp group that provides ongoing updates and briefings, gathered Lone Soldier parents to support them while their children are at war, and helped organize Legacy Camp, a program bringing children from IDF bereaved families to Capital Camps.

Prior to FIDF, Scher was the Director of Community Advancement at Gesher Jewish Day School and the Director of Northern Virginia Engagement at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. She is an active member of Congregation Olam Tikvah and a longtime parent at Gesher Jewish Day School and Capital Camps.

“In a time where community is needed, Jennifer is making a way, especially for young people to come together to help support and talk about Israel and Jewish community in a post-October 7 world,” said Selection Committee Member Josh Maxey. “When Jennifer speaks, I see a person committed to continue serving her community and ensuring we have the next generation of exemplary leaders.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has been an invaluable partner in the fulfillment of this award. Phyllis devoted many hours in the work of Federation, and it is one of the many organizations in which she observed the depth of devotion and talent that Jewish professionals bring to our community.

“We are immensely proud to have Jennifer Scher as our award winner for the prestigious Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award,” said Philip Margolius, President of the Phyllis Margolius Family Foundation. “Her achievements and dedication embody the essential qualities that this award represents: resilience, creativity, and the ability to rise to any challenge. We hope that receiving the Impossible Dream Award will further inspire Jennifer to continue her exemplary work in the field.”

Jennifer Scher will receive her award at an event to honor Jewish communal professionals on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Bender JCC in Rockville, Maryland. The event is co-sponsored by the Phyllis Margolius Family Foundation, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the BenderJCC.

For many older adults, loneliness is a daily struggle. A 2023 study found that one in four adults worldwide experience feelings of isolation. But a new and innovative music program in senior living facilities is working to change that—and it’s hitting all the right notes.

The Iris Music Project is transforming the lives of older adults through its Ensemble-in-Residence model. Instead of offering one-time events like concerts or trivia nights, this program focuses on building deep, lasting relationships through regular, meaningful interactions with professional musicians. By embedding musicians in senior living facilities, the project fosters ongoing connections that significantly reduce loneliness and enhance well-being, offering more than just entertainment—it’s about building a sense of community.

It All Started Here in Greater Washington

Launched in 2016 right here in Greater Washington at Charles E. Smith Life Communities in Rockville, MD, the program stands out for its commitment to consistency. Rather than offering occasional events, musicians spend extended time with residents, leading weekly rehearsals, music lectures, and engaging in one-on-one interactions. This ongoing involvement fosters meaningful connections that go beyond entertainment, creating a true sense of community and shared experience.

“When you’re there like that, building relationships and connections like that, you really see the power of working together, making music together, and the way it can transform,” Iris Music Project Executive Director Lauren Latessa recently shared during an interview with WBAL-TV. “It can really transform not just one person’s life, but the entire community.”

Beyond the Music

While the music is at the heart of this program, the Iris Music Project believes the Ensemble-in-Residence model could be a game changer in other areas as well—think visual arts, cooking, and exercise—all with the same goal: to combat loneliness and bring communities closer together.

The Iris Music Project is already working on formalizing best practices and training artists to bring this unique approach to community-building to more senior living facilities across the country.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is proud to partner with Charles E. Smith Life Communities in supporting the Iris Music Project and helping spread the joy of connection through music to our senior community.

As the impact of recent and looming federal layoffs ripple through our community, the Federation is stepping up to ensure that no one must navigate this hardship alone. Through the network of local rabbis and community leaders, individuals affected by these layoffs can now access direct financial support to help meet urgent needs.

A Lifeline in Times of Crisis

After 25 years of loyal service, a long-time community member suddenly found themselves out of a job due to the federal layoffs. With no severance and mounting bills, the weight of uncertainty began to feel overwhelming. Amid this crisis, they reached out to their rabbi for support.

His words were simple, but they felt like a lifeline: “You are not alone.”

With the help of the Jewish Federation, they received not just practical resources to manage immediate needs, but also emotional encouragement that helped them regain their footing.

“It’s not just about surviving tough times—it’s about knowing that we have people who will show up for us when we need it most.”

Facing Impossible Choices: A Mother’s Journey

For many years, a local mother balanced her career and care for her son with special needs thanks to the flexibility her government job offered—working from home, a privilege she had long before the pandemic made remote work common. She consistently received top reviews and accolades for her work, demonstrating her commitment and dedication. But when a new policy required her to commute long hours each day, leaving her son behind, she was faced with an impossible choice: stay in her job or lose the flexibility that allowed her to care for him.

With no safety net and an immediate financial burden, she turned to her rabbi for guidance.

“You are not alone,” he assured her.

The support she received from the Jewish Federation wasn’t just about meeting immediate needs—it was about offering hope for what lies ahead. With a focus on the future, they provided resources that helped her explore new career opportunities.

The Power of Community

These examples serve as powerful reminders of the importance of community support, especially during the hardest of times. In response to current challenges facing our community, the Jewish Federation has allocated $180,000 as part of the Federation’s Individuals and Families in Need initiative (IFN), $100,000 to create a new Rabbinic Emergency Fund to help rabbis meet the increasing needs of their congregations, and $80,000 to our current human service agency partners.

This initiative underscores the Federation’s commitment to supporting all community members who are facing financial uncertainty due to the layoffs. The funds are distributed across rabbis and agencies, ensuring that those impacted by the layoffs receive the immediate support they need.

The Jewish Federation, and its network, is ensuring that no one in our community faces challenges alone. Whether it’s offering financial resources or providing crucial emotional support, the Federation is there for our community in times of need.

As a local rabbi reminds us: “Abraham, our forefather, fed his hungry guests before speaking with them about G-d. Our community’s first responsibility is to care for each other in times of need, just as Abraham did. We are grateful to the Jewish Federation for leading the way in this important work.”

In moments when everything else feels uncertain, it is the strength of our Jewish community—and the unwavering support of the Jewish Federation—that provides the foundation we need to rebuild.

On March 19, 2025, more than 70 community members gathered at Har Shalom for the second event in the Combating Antisemitism series, focused on recognizing and addressing antisemitism in the workplace. The evening was full of insightful conversations, practical tools, and a shared commitment to confronting discrimination head-on.

A Call to Action: Standing Up Against Antisemitism

The evening began with Howard Reichel, leader of the Kulanu Combating Antisemitism cohort, who emphasized the importance of standing up for ourselves in the face of adversity. Rabbi Adam Raskin followed, drawing inspiration from the ancient story of Purim to highlight the relevance of bold action in today’s fight against antisemitism. He urged us: “The quickest way for others to stand up for Jews is for Jews to stand up for themselves.” His words resonated deeply, reinforcing that we all have a role in standing against antisemitism.

Tools for Combating Antisemitism at Work

Meredith Wiesel, senior leader at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), led an informative session on combating antisemitism in the workplace. She shared key tools to recognize antisemitic tropes and how to respond effectively in professional settings. Attendees walked away with practical advice and resources to empower them in their own workplaces.

The event also included an interactive “choose your own adventure” activity, allowing participants to explore various workplace scenarios. Should you ignore offensive comments, confront the individual, or report the incident to HR? This exercise sparked thoughtful discussions on the most effective ways to confront antisemitism while maintaining professionalism and respect.

On Monday, March 3rd, I had the privilege of joining many of you in celebrating seven exceptional leaders in our community: Alma Gildenhorn, Carol & Gary Berman, Sophie & Bradley Buslik, and Rachel & Peter Federowicz.

I’m always impressed by the way our community shows up to honor our leaders — and Cornerstone was no exception.

I’m also excited to share that the event raised over $1M for the Cornerstone Fund. This significant contribution will enable us to expand our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and Jewish values necessary to strengthen our community for years to come.

In my remarks, I spoke at length about leadership — how it’s not just contagious, but also collective.

Now, more than ever, I urge you to stand with us and double down on our efforts. We must unite to overcome the critical challenges facing our local Jewish community and Jewish communities worldwide.

If you were unable to attend, watch my full remarks.