Month: January 2025

My heart breaks with the news of the horrific plane crash near Reagan National Airport late Wednesday night. May the memories of those lost in this unthinkable incident forever be a blessing, and may we send strength to all the first responders and officials working tirelessly on the investigation and extensive recovery operation still unfolding.

At the same time, since my last note, 12 more innocent people have been reunited with their friends and family. The videos have been deeply moving — it’s an incredible relief to see these hostages return home after almost 500 days of captivity. I can only imagine what they have gone through and what lies ahead.

I know we’re all waiting with bated breath for the return of three more hostages this weekend, including Keith Siegel, and of course, for every one of those still in captivity.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of joining the capstone retreat for Federation’s Jewish Community Leaders Program (JCLP) at Capital Camps. Together, we marked the culmination of a year’s worth of learning, growth, fostering deep relationships, and building trust. One participant captured the essence of the experience: “This weekend’s retreat capped off a tremendous year and opened up opportunities to engage meaningfully in the community. It nourished my soul.” I’m deeply inspired by this dynamic group, and more than confident in their ability to lead with passion and pride. It’s been an honor to be part of their journey. Many thanks to Shelly Kupfer and Mark Levitt for co-chairing, and to Dana Bornstein and Elisa Deener-Agus for being the professional leads on such a transformative program.

A recent ADL and Hillel International survey found that more than 83% of Jewish students on college campuses have experienced or witnessed antisemitism since October 7, 2023. In their message on the results, my colleagues Jonathan Greenblatt and Adam Lehman rightfully noted that, “universities must act decisively. They must speak out against antisemitism and ensure their campuses are safe for Jewish students.” I couldn’t agree more. I’m grateful that your support ensures Federation can continue to combat antisemitism in our schools, colleges, and universities.

Our Northern VA Leadership Cohort met last week for the second time — and enjoyed their time together so much they didn’t want it to end. Their focus on how to be inspiring leaders sparked rich discussions about how participants could apply shared insights within their respective organizations. These leaders are deeply dedicated to the future of the Jewish community in NOVA, and eager to continue this important work after their cohort wraps up. We’re lucky to have them help drive Jewish Northern VA forward.

A look ahead: More than two dozen excited travelers will come together tonight for a “kick-off” Shabbat dinner as they prepare for our Federation Intergenerational Mission to Panama next month. This initial gathering will begin to build lasting friendships and connections as they prepare to visit the largest Jewish community in Central America. I’m looking forward to their updates and pictures!

As Chief Development Officer, Keren will build and drive Federation’s financial resource development, and elevate fundraising strategy, systems, and relationships. Keren’s work will focus on advancing and diversifying resource development and fostering a culture of philanthropy across Federation’s professional and lay leadership. This new role marks Keren’s return to Federation, where she first began her career in development, cultivating current and potential donors and partnering with lay leadership to further engage the Greater Washington community

“We are excited to welcome Keren back to the Federation team,” said Gil Preuss, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. “Keren is a dynamic and experienced nonprofit leader, and we look forward to having her expertise as we continue to focus on fundraising and philanthropy in our community through a strategic and engaging approach.”

Keren most recently served as the Chief Development Officer for Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU), where she spent 17 years of her career. At A4BGU, Keren managed a $45M- $50M+ annual campaign, a national team of up to 24 development professionals, and built and implemented a strategic approach to development across the organization. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies and Religion/Judaic Studies from Emory University and her Master of Arts in International Affairs/U.S. Foreign Policy from George Washington University’s Elliott School.

Keren has worked in diverse areas of the Jewish community, both in the United States and abroad. After completing her university in 1996-7, Keren spent a year in Donetsk, Ukraine as part of AMITIM (“friends” in Hebrew), an international service project initiated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta that aimed to build bridges between the North American, Israeli and former Soviet Jewish communities.

“With increasing tension within the global Jewish community and alarming antisemitism on the rise in Washington and beyond, the need for Federation has only increased,” said Keren M. Waranch. “Jewish Federations are the ultimate convener every part of the community needs right now. The stronger the Federation, the stronger our community. That is why I am so proud and excited to take on this position.”

“Keren will be a tremendous asset to the Federation team, and we are thrilled to have her insights and leadership,” said Robin Hettleman Weinberg, Federation President. “Keren played a critical role in developing Federation’s Next Gen and Women’s Philanthropy groups, and we know that her experience will allow us to better reach diverse groups across our Greater Washington Jewish community.”