What inspired me this week

  • Gil Preuss
  • 06 December 2024

December is the final month of Federation’s Annual Campaign — but it’s more than fundraising for me.

Right now, I’m having some of my favorite conversations with Federation’s donors. This week alone, I’ve taken notes on:

  • Your deep commitment to supporting residents of Israel — particularly in the north and south
  • Ideas to help our college students thrive, both as students and as Jews on campus
  • How essential it is that Jewish institutions make space for all members of the Jewish community
    We’re in lockstep on these needs, and it’s inspiring to hear that they’re driving your philanthropy and leadership. I look forward to many more insightful discussions over the next few weeks.

If we haven’t connected yet, I’d love to know what’s on your mind as we head into 2025.

More below from this week, plus a look ahead.

  • Our Next Gen Ben Gurion Society spent Wednesday evening baking challah with Sara Portman Milner, Co-Founder of Sunflower Bakery. A Federation partner, Sunflower prepares young adults with learning differences to join the workforce through training in pastry arts and hospitality — and runs an amazing café in our building! I’m inspired to see these Next Gen leaders celebrating their Jewish identity and embracing Sunflower’s vision for inclusive workplaces.
  • Yesterday morning, I joined 200 people at B’nai Israel to celebrate Chanukah with Cafe Europa, a program for Holocaust survivors run by our partners at JSSA. The event was filled with joy, dancing, and connection. Spending time with friends like Toni Paul (pictured) and hearing from survivors in our community was a highlight of my week — and a powerful reminder of why we work to build a vibrant Jewish community.
  • Last night, I joined our Women’s Philanthropy Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Society members for their Chanukah celebration. We were inspired by shlichim (Israeli emissaries) Dean, Laila, and Tali, who highlighted the impact of Federation’s shlichim program — the second largest in North America — in connecting our community with Israel. Their words moved us all, including five women who shared plans to explore bringing a shaliach to their synagogues. It was a beautiful reminder of how personal connections strengthen the bond between our community and Israel.
  • I’m also proud to share a recent photo from when Federation gifted this beautiful painting of Kibbutz Be’eri to the Israeli Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC. This gift was made possible due to the generous support of Federation’s Past Presidents as a symbol of our enduring commitment to rebuilding communities most impacted by October 7th.
  • Like you, I was heartbroken to learn that American-Israeli Omer Neutra, z”l, whom we had prayed would be returned safely, was killed on October 7th. In his memory and with an unwavering commitment to justice, our community will continue to demand the release of all 100 hostages. I encourage you to join Federation grantee, the Hostages & Missing Families Forum, at Smithsonian Metro this and every Sunday at 1:00 PM until we #bringthemhome. This week, we’ll hear from Yarden Gonen, sister of Romi Gonen, who is still held by Hamas. For updates, follow the Forum on WhatsApp.

A Look Ahead

  • Next week, our Northern VA Leadership Cohort will participate in Federation’s first-of-its-kind NOVA Leadership Initiative. We’ll be helping these leaders connect to each other and consider our communal priorities in sessions designed to set the stage for collaborative community action. I know their conversations will shape the future of our NOVA Jewish community.
  • Join us for the Israel Unity Concert on Sunday, December 15th. Federation is partnering with the Aish Center and Magen David Sephardic Congregation for an evening of solidarity, music, community, and inspiration. All proceeds benefit the unique, grassroots effort to provide free engagement rings for IDF soldiers in memory of Adir Mesika, z”l, a young Israeli murdered at the Nova Festival on October 7th.