Alexandra (Alex) Freedman isn’t waiting to be the next generation’s leader. A member of NextGen’s At-Large Board, the 25-year-old is the youngest member of the Levin Society, a giving level named in honor of local hero and fallen Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier Michael Levin (z”l) and established at the height of the pandemic by young leaders who want to make a difference today for their Jewish communities.
Born and raised in Greater Philadelphia, Alex made aliyah to Israel following college to coach and play for the women’s national lacrosse team. Since returning, she is a Wealth Advisor Associate at Morgan Stanley and remains involved with her athletic roots as the Israel Lacrosse Association Director of High Performance and International Relations.
Maintaining a strong love for Israel, Alex is also on the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Israel Engagement Grants Committee and Partnership2Gether (P2G) Committee, which works with the Jewish Federation’s partnership regions of Netivot and Sdot Negev.
Recently, she co-chaired NextGen’s Ben Gurion Society event that featured IDF Lieutenant Colonel Eyal Dror (ret.) who commanded Operation Good Neighbor (2016-2018), an operational unit that carried out covert humanitarian aid operations to save thousands of Syrian lives.
We chatted with Alex to learn more about this impressive NextGener, her passion for the Jewish Federation and her love for the Jewish community, both locally and abroad.
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What are three fun facts about you?
- I love tie-dye everything
- I've been to Cuba twice
- I am a big 76ers fan
What do you miss about your time in Israel and coaching the national lacrosse team? Now being back in Philadelphia, how do you hope to connect people to Israel?
The thing I miss most about my time in Israel and coaching would have to be the people. My players, my fellow coaches and coworkers, and the population of Southern Israel in general. I was blessed to be surrounded every day by hardworking, kind, resilient and inspirational individuals. Being back in Philly, I hope to continue to share my story and my experiences to emphasize the importance of forging people to people connections and to motivate others to spend time in Israel.
How did you first get involved with NextGen and the Jewish Federation?
My parents have been involved with Jewish Federation for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was young, they instilled in me the importance of giving back to my community, and so when I moved back to Philly in 2019, I made a strong effort to join committees that were meaningful to me.
Throughout your leadership journey in the Jewish Federation, what has been one of your most memorable experiences? Why?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the P2G Committee. It is incredibly special to continue my bond with southern Israel while no longer living there, and I value the connections I have made with the other committee members and the Netivot contingency.
What is an organization, program or cause that the Jewish Federation supports that personally resonates with you? Why?
I am very passionate about Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Adult Independence (JCHAI), which receives annual funding from the Jewish Federation. My Aunt Jennifer is a resident at the JCHAI apartments, which provides a supportive living community for people with disabilities to gain independence. This program resonates with me personally, because it has allowed my aunt to live a fulfilled life.
Why do you give to the Jewish Federation?
I give to the Jewish Federation because I know the importance of its work and how essential it is to so many individuals in our community, Israel and around the world.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to get involved in NextGen?
There are so many committees, affinity groups and ways to be involved. I would recommend exploring all your options.
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NextGen is the young professional affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. To learn more about NextGen, please email Max Moline at mmoline@jewishphilly.org and friend us on Facebook.