June 27, 2025
Solly Kane and Gabe Scherzer meet with Rep. Suzan DelBene.
Dear Seattle Community,
Yesterday, I returned from an emergency fly-in session of Jewish leaders to Washington, D.C. During this whirlwind two-day trip, our incoming Board Chair, Gabe Scherzer, and I met with lawmakers to advocate for stronger security protections for our Jewish community.
We were not alone—we joined over 400 leaders representing over 100 communities from across the country for this urgent session.
Gabe and I shared with our elected leaders how rising antisemitism is affecting our community. We presented security recommendations and asked for increased government funding and resources to keep the Jewish community safe here in Seattle and globally.
This was a critical opportunity for us to show up and speak on behalf of Jewish Seattle. You can add your voice to our efforts and ask your Members of Congress to support the proposed security measures below.
Our concerns about safety and security go beyond the Seattle community. During the last two weeks, like many of you, I have been watching the news of Israel under attacks from Iran, grieving the lives lost, and praying for recovery for those injured. The level of destruction is heartbreaking, especially knowing the missiles were targeting apartment buildings, hospitals, and schools.
While we are thousands of miles away from Israel, we can still help deliver support on the ground. We have relaunched our Israel Emergency Fund in partnership with JFNA, and you can make a donation here. 100% of your gift goes directly to the emergency response.
Lucy Pruzan accepts the Francine R. “Frankie” Loeb Courageous Leadership Award.
Kendall Kosai accepts the Tikkun Olam Award for Public Service, pictured with outgoing board chair Lisa Brashem.
As we returned home and stepped off the plane, we headed to the Federation’s Annual Meeting to join our community and celebrate all we accomplished together during the last fiscal year. We welcomed new board members, thanked the outgoing leaders, and honored community members for their service.
I want to specifically thank Lisa Brashem, who concludes her two-year term as board chair on June 30. We have been fortunate to have had Lisa at the helm of the Federation these last two years.
Lisa has had quite the two years as board chair—she has navigated through responding to the October 7 attacks, the rapid rise in antisemitism, the recent war between Israel and Iran, and a CEO transition. She cares deeply about our Seattle Jewish community, our board members and lay leaders, our staff team, and our community members.
The work of an organization like the Federation is dependent on a strong partnership between staff and lay leaders, and I am so glad that my tenure here started with Lisa as my partner.
All of our efforts at the Federation have one goal—to build a thriving Jewish community. Our annual campaign closes on June 30 and if you have not yet had the chance to support our work, I hope you will join us.
Solly Kane delivers remarks at the Federation’s Annual Meeting.
I hope you will join us this coming year to find connection, hope, and meaning during these turbulent times. I am grateful to all of you for your support, and I look forward to another year of impact.
Shabbat shalom,
Solly Kane,
President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
