By Julia Olson
Assistant Editor
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati hosted its 128th annual meeting last Wednesday, May 22, at the Mayerson JCC Amberley Room.
Board chair Josh Blatt opened the meeting with a moment of silence for the many lives lost on October 7 and in the conflict that has followed. “We meet tonight in a much different world than we were in just 365 days ago,” said Blatt. Not only has the war in Israel raged on, but antisemitic acts here in the United States have skyrocketed over 300 % since October 7. Blatt stressed in this time of uncertainty and fear for Jews around the world, the Federation has been showing unity in crisis. Despite differing viewpoints among Jews in the United States and across the globe, Blatt empathized that “we must not let the debate divide us in ways that undermine our ability to come together in common purpose to address these historic challenges.” Blatt continued, “we cannot let these disagreements undermine the legitimacy of Israel’s Jewish state. We must be united in our support of the Israeli people and Israel’s right to exist.” However, Blatt said, there is “much to be hopeful about…our Federation community is strong. And we’ve done big things before, and we will meet this challenge….the Federation has been there to meet these challenges for 128 years. And we will not stop.”
Danielle Minson, CEO of JFC, followed Blatt. Minson shared with attendees the responses that the Cincinnati Jewish community has had since the October 7th event. “Three days after October 7, we organized a solidarity gathering uniting 2000 of us in a powerful display of support in Israel. Over 500 of us went to the March for Israel in Washington D.C.,” Minson continued. Minson also mentioned the Empty Shabbat Table display at Washington Park, and the Cincinnati City Hall meeting where 175 community members showed up to speak for peace. “These moments of public advocacy matter. They’re a testament to what we can achieve when we stand together. And we have done so much more. The Federation acts.”
According to Minson, the Federation’s fundraising total increased by 50% compared to last year. The Federation focused on raising money for Israel, but they also worked on raising money for local security. Minson discussed SAFE Cincinnati, including that despite the unprecedented fundraising for local security, the Federation is continuing to seek additional funding for security.
Minson also spoke about meetings with local leaders with the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee), a new speaker series launched after October 7 for further education, and the JFC’s work advocating for a ban or American ownership of TikTok. Minson also discussed the future in light of the Federation’s Cincinnati 2030 strategic plan. This year the organization also focused on teen and young adult mental health care, aging services, and professional development. The Federation is also planning a mission trip, to make up for the one canceled this summer, next summer in 2025.
David Harris, Chief Development Officer, took the stage next and shared updates about the Federation’s fundraising for Israel. Cincinnati has raised 4.6 million dollars to support Israel after October 7th. Nationally, according to Harris, the 126 organizations that make up the Federation network has raised over 1 billion dollars for Israel.
Sherri Symson, Vice President of Development then discussed fundraising overall for the Federation. This year, the JFC has been able to raise 15.4 million dollars total. “Here in Cincinnati, we will use these funds to support our local partner agencies to further strengthen our vibrant and inclusive communities and drive real change,” said Symson. Of that 15.4 million, $1.27 million is realized endowment gifts, $6.52 million is the directed giving total (this includes the $4.6 million for Israel), $1.68 million is matching from the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, and $5.94 million is from the JFC annual campaign. Symson will also be the new board chair as Josh Blatt, current board chair, has reached the end of his tenure in that position.
Finally, Danielle Minson retook the stage to present the awards.
Rachel Marchese, of JVS Careers, won the Alice and Harris Weston Junior Professional Avodah Award. Sally Schott, of Isaac M. Wise Temple, won the Senior Avodah Award.
And finally, Nina Paul won the Nancy and Robert V. Goldstein Volunteer of the Year Award Winner. Paul received a standing ovation from the audience upon taking the stage. Discussing her work in the community, Paul stated “I discovered a love of having purpose in my life, in addition to my family, and making a difference locally and, of course, in Israel.” Paul also took a heartfelt moment to thank her parents, Ted and Shirley Levine, “for instilling in me the value of tikkun olam and giving back to your community.”
