Moving Forward Together

On the heels of Capital Chai: Federation’s 2022 Annual Meeting, I feel deeply connected to, and proud of, the Greater Washington Jewish community. And as we take steps forward in our collective pursuit of vibrant Jewish life, Federation remains committed to prioritizing collaborative conversations with leaders and community members to deliberately address critical opportunities while ensuring we can continue to meet evolving needs locally and globally.

Over the last year, alongside more than hundreds of lay leaders, community members, and subject matter experts across 60+ discussions, Federation created a vision and action plan for the upcoming year to build on our positive momentum.

Prior to the Annual Meeting, Federation’s Board of Directors approved the next year of allocations based on those discussions, as well as our proposed outline of how to meet our core goals, focused on individuals and families in need, organizational resilience, communal vibrancy, and Israel. More than $16 million – a nearly $2.5 million increase from 2021 – will be allocated over the coming year to support our partners, programs, and critical components of our community.

These funds will enable Federation to help:

• Even more families send their children to Jewish summer camps, many for the very first time.
• Continue to bring our community together to address the biggest and most complicated issues confronting Jewish Greater Washington, including meeting the needs of Jews living with economic insecurity.
• Grow our Community Shlichim (Israeli emissary) Program to deepen our relationship with Israel and Israelis.
• Support diverse partner organizations, including two new partners – GatherDC and Garden of Remembrance.
• Enhance security and preparedness of our vital communal organizations.
• Build on decades of collaboration with international partners to help safely resettle displaced Ukrainians and support Jews in need wherever they are and whenever they need us.

Together, as a community, we are balancing sustainability and resilience through the above initiatives – and so much more. We know firsthand how unforeseen changes can impact the most strategic plans locally and abroad. And yet, in times of both crisis and stability, our community continues to find innovative ways to care for one another, reimagine Jewish life, support Israel, and move Greater Washington forward.

I am grateful for all of you, and I hope you are proud of our collective accomplishments. I look forward to another successful year together.

Shabbat Shalom,

Gil

P.S. Beginning in July, I will be writing to you every other week through the beginning of September. My next reflection will be sent on Friday July 8^th. I encourage you to stay up to date with events and programs through Federation’s newsletter, Together & Connected. Sign up here.

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