United Jewish Federation of Tidewater held its Biennial meeting on Wednesday, June 11 at the Sandler Family Campus.
The Fleder Multi-Purpose Room was packed with people from throughout the Jewish community who had come to cheer on award winners, to support new officers and board members, and to hear from UJFT’s leadership about the current state of the Jewish world – globally, and especially, locally.
David Leon, outgoing president, spoke about the past two years – just four months into his term, Oct. 7 took place – and Betty Ann Levin, UJFT’s executive vice president/CEO, spoke about the Federation’s myriad activities, challenges, and successes.
In her remarks upon being installed as UJFT’s president, Mona S. Flax said, “We see and hear an epidemic of hate in our country and around the world. We see it on our streets, our college campuses, and our places of worship.
“We no longer just talk about security. It is a part of our lives and our pocketbooks,” said Flax, noting the desire to begin a security endowment fund.
“I know it’s difficult to have hope and to feel optimistic right now. And to be honest, some days, I find it to be a personal struggle. However, I do have hope and optimism. Why?
“It’s because we can and we will do what Jews have done for thousands of years. We unite, we pull up our sleeves, and we do the work. Last year, we raised over $5 million for our Israel Emergency Campaign. That is the size of our regular campaign. We are a small community. Raising 10 million in one year is staggering, but we did it.
“And by the way, not to brag (but you know I will!) we (UJFT) are ranked highest in per capita giving for communities our size in the United States!”
Even with the presentation of awards, the meeting concluded in less than one hour – just as Betty Ann Levin promised.
