FROM THE DESK OF MARIAM FEIST, CEO

I feel like a proud mama. Israel is turning 75! Older than I am, but I still marvel at the development and growth of this state like a mother who studies her child. Though parents are not supposed to have a favorite, Israel is like a golden child. Bragging rights on all its accomplishments and a bandwidth of tolerance and forgiveness for any of its growing pains and mistakes.

It’s certainly not perfect, no one or country is, but in its brief existence as a recognized country, it has astonished even the most skeptical. From its David vs. Goliath battles in 1948 and 1967 to its lush green landscape in the middle of a desert, Israel is a country of which to be proud.

Think about what our lives would be like without Waze, Firewall, the USB flashdrive, and, for some of us, Epi Lady. What would our kids be playing at camp instead of Gaga? Think of our world without drip irrigation, the Iron Dome, and ReWalk, which enables paraplegics to ambulate. There are more medical, agricultural, and tech inventions coming out of Israel than this column could hold. Many refer to Israel as the “start-up nation”.

Not to mention, it is the only democratic country in the Middle East. It cares for those who seek much needed medical attention from the Gaza strip to Syria - many times clandestinely. It opens its arms to the tens of thousands who make Aliyah from war-torn regions, like Russia and Ukraine. It absorbs those who come with the dream of living in the land of milk and honey like those coming from Ethiopia and all around the world.

Our Jewish Federation & Foundation acknowledges and honors Israel on its 75th birthday. Join our community on April 30th for a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration at Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple. And, look for more information as we announce our plans for a Mega Community Mission to Israel in 2024!

B’shalom, Mariam

STAFF

Sara Bass Executive Assistant sarab@jewishjacksonville.org

Pat Burke Director, Finance patb@jewishjacksonville.org

Mariam Feist CEO mariamf@jewishjacksonville.org

Faye Hedrick Director, Young Professionals & Families fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org

Rachel Heiser Campaign and Donor Relations Coordinator rachelh@jewishjacksonville.org

Jill Metlin Israel and Overseas Coordinator jillm@jewishjacksonville.org

Tal Mola Israeli Community Shlicha jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org

Jennifer Rensch Foundation Manager jenniferr@jewishjacksonville.org

Lauren Rickoff Director, Campaign and Women’s Philanthropy laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org

Kellie Smith Director, Foundation kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org

Zahni Thuzar Marketing Manager zahnit@jewishjacksonville.org