As we head into these High Holy Days, I need to confess.
Seven years ago, before I became the President and CEO of our Jewish Federation, I did not truly understand the power and impact of a gift to the Federation’s Annual Campaign.
Now I do. And as we begin the New Year, I want to make sure you do as well.
We all know the central role the Annual Campaign has played in Los Angeles for over 100 years. It has been instrumental in creating and sustaining most agencies and organizations that strengthen our community. It supported the establishment of the State of Israel and has been a leader in the rescue and absorption of tens of thousands of Jews in distress from all over the world.
This work was made possible by the support of our parents and grandparents, driven strongly by their sense of responsibility and obligation.
I share that sense of responsibility and need to feel passionate about my philanthropy, and I know many of you feel the same way. I need to see a direct connection between my giving and the issues I care about. I want to know that I’m being strategic and that every dollar has value.
Today’s transformed Federation has successfully embraced a dynamic new model. We have attracted the best and the brightest professionals who work side by side with incredible lay leaders to identify our most pressing challenges. We bring in partner organizations to make the greatest possible impact.
I couldn’t be more passionate about our work and about how my annual gift helps make all this possible.
Our priorities reflect today’s Jewish and communal struggles. We are the safety net for our most vulnerable in Los Angeles, Israel, and around the world. We are dramatically increasing the number of young Jews (from teens to young families) engaged in Jewish life. We are making our community safer.
More than ever, especially during these increasingly challenging times, the Federation is the foundation of our community. For our community to remain strong and to ensure our future, we need to join together.
We can accomplish so much more together than we can alone. This is the power and impact of our Annual Campaign.
Our Federation has transformed to become one of the most effective and efficient Jewish organizations in America. We are making the greatest possible impact in the areas that most concern us all.
Your gift to the Annual Campaign touches every Jewish life.
If you have already made your gift, thank you. If you have not, please join me.
Shanah Tovah.
Jay Sanderson
President & CEO
