COMMUNITY
PRESTIGIOUS AWARD BESTOWED TO DEDICATED LEADER IRIS KRAEMER By Lauren Rickoff, Director of Campaign and Women’s Philanthropy, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida member, where she co-chairs the Our Shared Shelf Program, a monthly book and author series.
Iris was thrilled and humbled when she received the news of this honor. “I have always admired the examples set by women who have become Lions of Judah. Their commitment and dedication to Jewish life locally, in Israel and around the world inspired me to join their company.
It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce Iris Kraemer as the 2022 recipient of the Women's Philanthropy Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award (KWF Award). This award honors women who have shown leadership by making a significant impact in their local Jewish community, in Israel and/or abroad; has given other women encouragement, motivation, and opportunity to further their own leadership; and, embodies the spirit and vision of the Lion of Judah through a commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam. All of these qualities shine through in Iris. She is the immediate past president of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida and a current National Women's Philanthropy board
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As a recipient of the Kipnis Wilson/Friedland Award, I am humbled and hope to continue to bring honor to the women who it is named for, as well as to all past and present recipients throughout North America. The souls of my mother and grandmother continue to cheer me on in this rewarding aspect of my life. I am grateful for the circumstances that enable me to engage whole-heartedly in making a difference in the lives of Jewish people.”
The KWF Award, established in 2004, is named for Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland. of blessed memory, the founders of the Lion of Judah. Other Northeast Florida award recipients include Joan Levin, Debra Setzer, Judy Silverman, Phyllis Vandroff, Eunice Zisser, Kimberly Sisisky, and Sue Eaglstein.
Iris will be recognized at the 2022 International Lion of Judah Conference January 9-11 in Scottsdale, Arizona, coordinated by the Jewish Federations of North America. In addition, she will be recognized locally throughout the 2021-2022 year.
“Mazel Tov to Iris on this distinguished award,” said Diane Rothstein, Women’s Philanthropy Chair. “With Iris’ leadership, we have continued to grow and serve our community in countless ways. Throughout these unprecedented times, Iris has maintained her thoughtful and insightful perspective, while continuing to lead our Federation to new heights. Iris is an outstanding woman of great character, intellect and commitment, truly embodying the spirit of the KWF Award.” The Lion of Judah is a symbol of today’s Jewish woman’s strength, of her caring about the organized Jewish world and of her financial commitment of at least $5,000 to the Federation's Annual Campaign. Almost 17,000 women worldwide are Lions of Judah. The Lion of Judah program brings together women of all ages and from many walks of life to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.
