After a national search, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s program department started 2023 with new directors for its Holocaust Commission and Jewish Community Relations Council. Both directors quickly immersed themselves in their roles with projects and events.
Jewish Community
Relations Council
Joel Bond
Joel Bond joined UJFT as the new director of the Jewish Community Relations Council last month. Bond most recently worked at Alums for Campus Fairness, a nonprofit that harnesses the unique power of alumni to counter antisemitism on campus. Prior to his work fighting antisemitism on college campuses, Bond worked on campaigns—for candidates of both parties, as a Hillel Springboard Fellow, and more. He is also an advisory board member for Mosaic Visions, an action-oriented organization representing Jews of Color.
A lifelong learner with a degree in Economics, minors in Political Science and Leadership, and a Certificate in Jewish Leadership, Bond is pursuing a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership through a distance learning program with the Spertus Institute.
As a professional in the Jewish communal field, Bond understands the intricacies of community engagement, effective programmatic design, and passionate relationship building. From political organizing to combating antisemitism, UJFT leadership is confident that Bond’s experiences make him a welcomed and beneficial addition to the UJFT team.
Holocaust Commission
Elka Mednick
Elka Mednick, who served as assistant director of the UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council, now serves as director of the Holocaust Commission, following years of serving on the commission as a lay leader.
Mednick’s passion for and commitment to Tidewater’s Jewish community (and beyond) when it comes to taking on legislative issues of importance, education, and advocacy for the State of Israel, as well as fighting antisemitism, hate, and bigotry have made her an invaluable part of UJFT’s team. She says she is excited to take on this new role and be able to build upon the strong foundation that was developed by her professional predecessors and the Commission members she has had the privilege of working with for years.
To congratulate Mednick and Bond on their new roles or to get involved with one of these UJFT committees, contact them at EMednick@ujft.org and JBond@ujft.org.
Robin Mancoll is chief program officer, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
-Robin Mancoll