Rabbi Daniel Gordis with Federation Board Chair, Iantha Sidell

On Thursday, June 9th, Iantha Sidell, Board Chair of the Jewish Federation announced that the 2005 Annual Community Campaign raised $6.2 million in unrestricted dollars and $2.4 million in designated dollars for a total of $8.6 million. Even in these times of economic instability, individuals in our community opened their hearts and stepped forward to donate essential funds to assist Jews in need. It is due to the generosity of this Jewish community that the Jewish Federation is able to work toward its mission: to ensure Jewish survival and enhance the quality of Jewish life by meeting needs locally, in Israel and worldwide. Iantha offered heartfelt thanks on behalf of all Federation volunteer leaders and staff. Kudos to our fearless 2005 Community Campaign Chair, Robin Boehler, who led our fundraising efforts with thoughtfulness, persistence and a real understanding of the challenges facing Jews in need. A huge thank you to all our solicitors, without whom our goals could not have been reached.

Rabbi Daniel Gordis, Vice President of the Mandel Foundation in Israel, highlighted our Campaign Closing event at the Museum of History and Industry. Rabbi Gordis, his wife and three children moved to Israel in 1998. Since moving to Israel, he has been writing and speaking extensively on Israeli society and the profound changes in life in Israel. Rabbi Gordis highlighted this evening with a thoughtful, dynamic presentation on the current situation in Israel, effects of coming disengagement and his hopes for the future.