From the CEO

As we get ready for Shabbat, I am preparing to join nine leaders of our community and 190 Jewish leaders from across North America on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to India. You are probably asking, “Why India? And why travel with so many people?” Throughout our history, Jews have lived almost everywhere in the world — from Kiev to Buenos Aires, Paris, Havana, and beyond. As such, wherever I am traveling, I’m always learning about our story and seeing firsthand the challenges that Jews (even in the smallest and most remote areas) face.

Three weeks ago, I bumped into two flight attendants at Los Angeles International Airport. They said I looked familiar for some reason and later admitted they thought I was a celebrity at first! Don’t laugh! We quickly realized the real reason I looked familiar was because I had been on three recent flights to New York with them. As the President and CEO of our Federation, I travel quite a bit in order to collaborate with great leaders and professionals across the country and the world to share experiences, discuss strategy, and tackle some of our most pressing shared challenges.

As we begin this new year, I want to share an update on how our Federation responded to the local wildfires that dramatically destroyed and damaged many of our beloved institutions and organizations and impacted individuals and families. We have immense gratitude for the community’s continued support, which has enabled us to respond to crises each and every day. Our flexibility was evidenced, especially over the past few months, by our ability to devote our time and resources to deal with challenges and help those in need. Our Federation continues our steadfast commitment to the safety, care, well-being, and future of our community.

This has been a year of heartbreaking challenges and inspiring successes. As it comes to a close, I want to remind you of the lives we have impacted. And I want to say thank you, because we have done this together. Here are just a few examples of people whose lives you have touched:

Our Federation is deeply committed to the safety, security, vibrancy, and strength of Jewish Los Angeles. While the past few weeks have tested us —…
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President & CEO Jay Sanderson shares our Federation’s role in the aftermath of the recent tragedies, traumas, and crises in the Jewish community.

The local wildfires have destroyed or damaged many of our beloved Jewish institutions. Impacted organizations include Camp JCA Shalom, Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps (Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp), and Ilan Ramon Day School — and sadly, the danger is not over.