- Michael Markman & Michele S. Levin 
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Board Chair and Campaign Chair 

This week, our Board Chair Michael Markman and Campaign Chair Michele S. Levin are sharing a special message, reflecting on a year of unity and strength in the face of adversity. Both Michael and Michele have been working tirelessly this past fiscal year to transform grief into action, stepping up without hesitation to be there for the local and global Jewish communities.

Dear Community Members,

With another Annual Campaign coming to a close on Aug. 31, we reflect on a year that was marked with both unprecedented Jewish hate and unprecedented Jewish pride. 

As the Jewish Federation, we have been inspired by your unwavering support and generosity. When hate came to our Greater Philadelphia region’s door, you embodied the value of Hineni or “Here I Am” and greeted it with Jewish pride  – unafraid and united.  

Your strength has re-energized ours, and we recommit to you our promise to be here for our local and global Jewish community before it needs to ask – whether it is in crisis or calm.  

It has been 10 months since the terror attacks on Oct. 7 in Israel, but for the Jewish community, we are still living its reality each and every day. In our collective grief, the Jewish people and our allies come together, standing with strength, resilience, and unity. We saw this power of community rallying in the streets, advocating in our representatives' offices and raising more than $15.8 million for our Philly Stands with Israel Emergency Campaign.  

While these emergency funds have been vital in directly impacting the lives of the innocent victims in Israel, it was your support to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign — the organization’s main source of unrestricted dollars  that are allocated to the greatest need — and established endowments that positioned us to respond immediately after the initial attacks. 

Looking ahead, we remain focused on building a safe, more vibrant and inclusive future for generations to come: 

• Instilling Jewish pride within the next generation by supporting organizations that support diverse and inclusive Jewish learning and experiences. The Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign enabled over 20,100 youth  and young adults to participate in programs designed to strengthen Jewish identities in Greater Philadelphia. 
• Securing our Jewish institutions by equipping them with the knowledge, tools and resources so our community can congregate and practice our faith without fear of persecution. The Jewish Federation conducted 231 security trainings, walkthroughs and consultations for 1,028 personnel at 64 organizations, since Sept. 1, 2023. 
• Ensuring that our most vulnerable can age with dignity by aiding programs that provide food assistance, socialization programs and social services. Over 146,300 meals and food boxes alleviated hunger through the Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Food Program and other supported agencies. 

Our journey is far from over, and we cannot do it alone. Your generosity and dedication have been instrumental in our efforts so far, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.  

Together, we can turn moments of adversity into opportunities to grow and unite. We trust in your ongoing commitment to help us navigate this challenging world.  

If you have already made a gift to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, we appreciate your leadership. If you have not, you can support your Jewish community by making a gift at jewishphilly.org/give.

Thank you for standing with us, today and always.  

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