In the midst of a successful Annual Campaign season, I want to begin by expressing our thanks to everyone who has already made a pledge or contribution this year, and to the dedicated volunteer solicitors whose outreach, relationship-building, and commitment have made this work possible. Your efforts strengthen our Jewish community every day.
Through your generosity and advocacy, more people are welcomed into the Federation family, our local agencies receive critical support, we are able to secure and advocate for the community, and we remain connected to the broader Jewish people.
Simply put, we cannot do this vital work without you.
Over the past several weeks, we have seen firsthand the power of a prepared, connected, and resilient Jewish community.
In a recent report from our Deputy Regional Security Advisor, Andrew Hoffman, we learned how a concerning incident at the shared campus of Congregation B'nai Israel and Lander-Grinspoon Academy in Northampton was met with a coordinated, calm, and effective response.
The incident highlighted the value of the investments our community has made in security training, emergency preparedness, law enforcement partnerships, threat assessments, grant funding, and real-time communication. Most importantly, it demonstrated something that cannot be measured by statistics alone: the trust, relationships, vigilance, and collective responsibility that define our community.
Because of years of preparation and partnership, local leaders, educators, law enforcement, Federation security professionals, and community members responded swiftly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of our institutions and families. As Andrew's report makes clear, security is not simply about cameras, fencing, or training. It is about a community that looks out for one another and stands together.
At the same time, our Federation's impact extends far beyond Western Massachusetts. Next week on Thursday, June 4 at 12pm, I encourage you to join a special online briefing hosted by World ORT, one of our Federation's longtime overseas partners.
You can register for this free Online Briefing by CLICKING HERE
Four years into the war in Ukraine, World ORT continues to provide educational opportunities, mental health services, and hope to children and families living through extraordinary challenges. We are especially proud that our own Federation Past President, Suze Goldman, a dedicated leader in our community and a member of the World ORT Board, will be participating in this important conversation alongside ORT educators and leaders working directly on the ground in Kyiv.
Featured speakers will include:
• Mila Finkelshtein, Chief Executive, ORT Ukraine
• Irina Redko, Deputy Principal and Head of Mental Health Programming, ORT, Kyiv
• Yuliia Tkachuk, PR Manager, ORT Ukraine and Hebrew Teacher, Kyiv
• Suze Goldman, Board Member, World ORT
• Dov Ben-Shimon, Chief Executive Officer, World ORT
Whether supporting security here at home or helping rebuild lives and strengthen Jewish communities abroad, we are reminded that Federation's work is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: we are stronger together.
Thank you for standing with our community, supporting our Annual Campaign, and helping ensure that Jewish life remains vibrant, secure, and connected locally, in Israel, and around the world.
