As we embrace the new year, I extend my warmest greetings to you all, hoping that 2024 brings happiness, health, and safety to you and your families.
Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past year, I am moved by the unity and collective efforts in our small, but mighty, community. Our community has shown incredible compassion and generosity towards our homeland, Israel, especially during these trying times. Together, we have successfully allocated over $2.9 million to address emergency needs of our Israeli kinsmen as the continue to battle the atrocity onset by the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, through the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater (UJFT) Israel 2023 Emergency Fund and other directed grants.
The latter part of this year has been a period of significant accomplishments for the Foundation. We have opened new donor-advised funds, established legacy gifts benefiting multiple organizations, and forged new affiliate relationships, notably with Beth Shalom of Eastern Virginia and Bnai Israel Congregation. Our work with affiliate agencies in formalizing legacy plans has been gratifying, resulting in several new funds and amendments to existing agreements.
Our community engagement continues to flourish, as seen in our participation in the Grand Illumination parade and the publication of an op-ed piece in the Virginia Pilot. (click here to read). Additionally, our Education Scholarship program is making great strides, and we've successfully executed numerous grants and donations, significantly strengthening our resources so that we can continue to serve our community and secure the Jewish future.
As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, I want to express my deepest gratitude to TJF’s professional team for their dedication and hard work. Their efforts have been instrumental in achieving our goals.
As I celebrate my 50th birthday this year, my lifelong journey or knowledge and finding a sense of place, coupled with my work in the Jewish community, has inspired me to deepen my connection with Israel. I plan to spend my vacation in February volunteering in Israel, embracing a mission of solidarity and witness. Let me know if you want to connect over coffee to hear the stories of those I meet and the impact of the overall experience when I return, and we can put a date on the calendar. (nsedek@tjfva.org)
Let's look forward to a 2024 filled with even greater accomplishments and impacts. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation.
Warm regards,
Naomi Limor Sedek
President, Tidewater Jewish Foundation