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29 December 2023
Over the last year, the Jewish community has seen horrors we no longer thought possible. We have seen hatred arise that many believed was disappearing. And through it all, you have proven time and again that our community – Jewish Greater Washington – isn’t just a set of actions, investments, or organizations, but also an ideal. It is an ideal that demands from us that we unite and respond in moments of need and celebration, and everything in between. It is the belief that we are stronger together as a community and as a people even when we may disagree or feel disconnected.
In 2023, we lived our Jewish values and emulated thousands of years of Jewish peoplehood and history together – a people who supported one another with a clear understanding and commitment to a common future, no matter the circumstances.
As this challenging year comes to an end, I want to thank you for strengthening Jewish Greater Washington through your actions, words, and support of this core ideal. Every year, thousands of donors throughout our region reaffirm this powerful belief and enable Federation to strengthen our collective capacity to build a more vibrant Jewish community locally and around the world. While I am confident that there are things we have done that you support and perhaps others with which you might disagree, each one of you said, “Hineni, Here I Am. I am here, alongside my friends, family, neighbors, and others, to support our community and shared future.”
On behalf of a grateful Jewish community, thank you to all those who have already made a gift to Federation’s 2023 Annual Campaign. For those still finalizing your end-of-year giving, please consider donating what you can before midnight on December 31st at shalomdc.org/donate, or by calling 301-230-7239 before 3:00 PM today, Friday, December 29th.
Thank you for strengthening and brightening our community, today and for the future. Here’s to better days ahead.
Shabbat Shalom and wishing you and yours a happy, healthy 2024,
Gil
Gil Preuss
CEO, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington