LA Needs Us

I know all of our thoughts have been with those in Los Angeles. The wildfire destruction, including the loss of several lives and of the historic Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, has been devastating. I’ve been in touch with our colleagues in the region to offer support, and we continue to closely monitor the situation. We’ve also opened a Wildfire Relief Fund to provide immediate aid to those in need. You can donate here.

Being there for those in crisis is core to Federation’s work. Our swift response each time is a testament to your generosity. I’m tremendously grateful for the ways you continue to step up and care for those who need us wherever they may be.

I’m looking forward to updates from our Women’s Philanthropy team next week as they travel with 40 local Lions of Judah to the sold-out International Lion of Judah Conference. This will be our largest-ever group of attendees, and I’m proud to see so many incredible women represent our community. They’ll include Vivian Bass, winner of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, given by Jewish Federations of North America to a Lion who exemplifies philanthropy and volunteerism.

Some of my favorite conversations are with rising leaders who have gone through Federation’s NEXUS program, which is now accepting applicants for the next cohort. They regularly share with me how impactful the experience was. NEXUS Co-Chair and past participant Abby Steinberger noted, “My NEXUS experience enriched me with unique and diverse perspectives. Each week we connected, learned about Jewish organizations in the DMV, and had thought provoking discussions that broadened my world view. I gained not only a strong sense of community and lasting friendships, but also the opportunity to grow as a leader within the Jewish community.” If you’re in your 20s or 30s or know someone who is, I hope you’ll apply or spread the word before applications close this Monday, January 13th.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of hostage Youssef Ziyadne and his son, Hamza Ziyadne this week. Youssef, a Bedouin Muslim father of 19, and Hamza, a father of two, were taken hostage alongside Hamza’s siblings, Bilal and Aisha, from Kibbutz Holit on October 7th. Bilal and Aisha were released after 54 days in captivity.

It has been more than 460 days since the hostages were taken. We continue to call for their immediate release and to support the vital work of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. I encourage you to join the Forum Sunday, January 19th at 12:00 PM on the National Mall at 14th St. and Jefferson Dr. for a gathering on the eve of the inauguration to stand together with seven hostage families and released hostages, and to declare that there’s nothing more important than bringing them home. You can find event details and updates on WhatsApp.

I’ll meet with some of our partners on the ground when I return to Israel on January 19th. I’ll be there alongside several other Federation leaders from across North America, including our own VP of Financial Resource Development, Jill Granader. We’ll be up north, including in Metula and Kiryat Shemona, and hearing from leaders working to rebuild the community there. More to come.