Dear Community Member,
Sunday, June 4th
Federation, in collaboration with the Siegel JCC, held our inaugural Jewish Music Festival on a beautiful day. Performers included Reece Ratliff, Chai Notes, SONiA, Rachel Schain and Six13. Many thanks to the Committee, staff and supporters for making this a memorable day of Jewish culture and engagement.
Monday, June 5th
UD Hillel's Birthright Israel trip departed this morning, bringing two busloads of students to our spiritual homeland. This trip is especially meaningful for me as my daughter, a recent UD graduate, is part of this group. We wish them a safe and meaningful journey.
The JCC Sports Classic celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the Wilmington Country Club. Yasher koach to Co-Chairs, Richard Levine and Dan Klein, for their inspired leadership the past 25 years as well as the Siegel JCC staff, volunteers, sponsors and participants.
The Jewish Federations of North America's National Women's Philanthropy Board Retreat began today in NYC and continued through Wednesday. Delaware has three women on the NWP board, Suzanne B. Grant, Robin Kauffman Saran and Connie Sugarman. In addition, Suzy was named JFNA National Campaign Chair for 2017-2018, the first Delawarean to serve in this important national capacity.
Tuesday, June 6th
I attended a webinar entitled, 6 Days, 50 Years, and the Future of Israel, with Deputy Minister Michael Oren -
a historian, diplomat, current Knesset Member, and the internationally acclaimed best-selling author of Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East.
The former Israeli Ambassador to the United States provided an in-depth look at the legacy of the Six Day War and its implications for Israel's future
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Our Best Jewish Delaware leadership team met to review findings and discuss setting key priorities. Special thanks to BJD Chair, Bill Wagner and the BJD Task Force for their assistance moving this initiative forward.
Wednesday, June 7th
Israel & Overseas Committee members participated in a special live stream commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, shared by all 50 states. The event featured joint remarks from the U.S. Capital and Israeli Knesset by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Albert Einstein Academy held its Graduation ceremony at AKSE. Congratulations to the eight graduates and their families as they move on to middle school.
Thursday, June 8th
Last night, Federation held its 82nd Annual Meeting, that honored outgoing President Connie Sugarman, welcomed incoming President Bill Wagner, and recognized Toni Young with the Lifetime Achievement Award. We also distributed checks to our ten Create A Jewish Legacy partners totaling $95,000.
We distributed copies of our 2016-2017 Report to the Community and the Best Jewish Delaware Executive Summary. Click Here to view our report online
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Friday, June 9th
Later today, Federation leadership and members of our Israel & Overseas Committee will be attending a special lunch briefing with the Mayor of Arad, Nisan Ben Hamo, who is visiting our community from Israel. Delaware cherishes our 19 year relationship with Arad and the people to people connections we continue to make.
Please join us on Sunday morning at the Siegel JCC outdoor pool for PJ Library Poolside, a free program for young families. Delaware currently has 428 active PJ Library subscriptions across Delaware and the Brandywine Valley!
We Are Stronger TOGETHER.
