Together as one!

By Rosalee Bogo, Annual Community Campaign Chair

This time of year, many of our snowbirds return to Naples, and it is a happy time. Program attendance and program quantity increase, and the work those of us at the Federation have been doing all summer to prepare for the “best season ever” will be coming into play. Read the Federation Star and the Federation e-blast. Please RSVP for the programs promptly before they fill up. Last season we welcomed at least 1,500 people a week into the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, and we plan for an even more active season this year.

This is also the time of year when we begin to turn our attention to launching the new Annual Community Campaign. This year we have chosen an especially meaningful theme, “Together as one.”

How does that apply to what being involved with the Federation means?

Together as one, we uplift Israel and Ukraine by offering our unwavering support.

Together as one, we take a stand against the rising tide of antisemitism.

Together as one, we pledge to ensure the safety of Jewish communities worldwide.

Here at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, we join the Federations of the world to fulfill the goals set to take care of the Jewish people — wherever they are and in whatever way is needed. We are a united force fueled by the strength of our rich history, culture and traditions. We are together as one It is our responsibility to support, uplift and protect each other to ensure that every member of our community feels connected and valued within our community and across the globe.

Last year’s record- and goal-breaking campaign was a wonderful achievement for all of us in the Greater Naples area. It means we will be able to increase our support and fulfill the many requests we get. We can feel pride that our community, together as one, has accomplished so much.

We will kick off our 2025 Annual Community Campaign on Dec. 11. Our speaker is Secure Community Network’s National Director/CEO Michael Masters. We will learn how the Jewish world is combating antisemitism and how our partners are working together to keep us safe. Through our combined efforts and our generous caring community, we can ensure Jewish life for future generations both locally and around the world. Together as one, we stand united — we are unstoppable.

I look forward to seeing you around the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Welcome home.