West Hartford, Connecticut (September 16, 2022) – More than 100 viewers tuned in to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford's virtual annual meeting on Wednesday, September 7, to celebrate community accomplishments, recognize outstanding service, and elect new leadership.
“Out of the crises of the last two years – including COVID-19, rising anti-Semitism, and the devasting war in Ukraine – our community has not only risen to the challenges – we have grown stronger,” remarked David Waren, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. “Thanks to the work of so many across our community, we have not only bounced back, we have also grown stronger. We are incredibly optimistic about the future of this amazing Jewish community.”
“For all of the challenges we have faced over the past two years, today we are strong, vibrant, and growing,” noted Dana Keller, Chair of the Federation’s Board of Directors. “In so many ways, our community has made that possible.”
Award Recipients
Two community members – Kathy Fishman and Ronit Shoham – received the Henry M. Zachs Spirit of Judaism Award for their contributions to Jewish life in Greater Hartford. This award was established eight years ago by the Zachs family to highlight the volunteer and professional “unsung heroes” of Jewish Greater Hartford. Fishman was recognized for her professional service as executive director of Voices of Hope, where she empowers the community to stand up against hatred through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance. Shoham was recognized for her many remarkable initiatives benefiting young people and neighbors in need – both within the Jewish community and Greater Hartford as a whole.
New Board Members and Trustees
The meeting welcomed First Vice Chair Jill Dulitsky and board members Russ Benblatt, Lee Gold, David Scheinerman, Adam Steinberg, and Leesa Wallace. Newly elected Life Community Trustees include Sheila Fox, Cary Lakenbach, Randi Piaker, Alan Rosenberg, and Phyllis Ulreich.
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford has been supporting and transforming the Jewish community since 1945. From educating children to caring for seniors, Federation touches every aspect of Jewish life here, in Israel and in 70 communities around the world. To learn more, please visit www.jewishhartford.org.