Letter from the CEO: Holding onto Hope for the Future
This week marks one year in the Hebrew calendar since Hersh Goldberg-Polin was murdered after 328 days of brutal captivity in the Gaza tunnels.
This week marks one year in the Hebrew calendar since Hersh Goldberg-Polin was murdered after 328 days of brutal captivity in the Gaza tunnels.
Through the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Federation combats antisemitism, builds community partnerships, and advocates with legislators to protect Jewish life. By working with policymakers and educating leaders, we ensure Jewish voices are heard, and we are standing up for our community in critical times of need.
We’re proud to support ElevatEd, a national initiative strengthening Jewish early childhood education through training, mentorship, and financial support for educators. Now in its second year locally, the program is helping teachers and directors across ten preschools grow professionally and build stronger classroom communities.
Join tomorrow’s JFNA briefing and see highlights from this week’s Federation programs.
We’re proud to launch the 2025–2026 cohort of the Francine R. Loeb Leadership Institute—17 emerging leaders who will spend the next year serving on local Jewish boards, receiving coaching and mentorship, and deepening their impact on our community.
Updates on our next generation of Jewish leaders, Israel partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
With help from a Federation Ignition Grant, Hillel of WWU expanded staff and programming in a year of skyrocketing antisemitism, and found resilience, learning, and joy in the process.
Updates on new leadership, camp scholarships, advocacy in schools, and more.
A Seattle participant on the Jewish Federations’ LGBTQ+ mission to Israel reflects on what it meant to show up as queer Jews and support communities still healing after October 7.
I hope you will join us this coming year to find connection, hope, and meaning during these turbulent times.
