SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– The Jewish Federation of San Diego County held its Annual Meeting on June 16. More than just a “meeting,” the gathering was a celebration of Federation’s achievements over the past year and a tribute to the volunteers who made it happen. It also included an address by Jacob Dayan, consul general of Israel in Los Angeles, a report on the accomplishments of the previous year, and the election of new officers.
Jan Tuttleman, Board Chair, began by thanking Federation CEO Steven Morris for his tireless work translating his vision of “Partnering for a Vibrant Jewish Future” into action. She was followed by the departing Consul General (his term is over this summer), who discussed the importance of the crucial relationship between the U.S. and Israel and prospects for Middle Eastern peace.
Dayan expressed his idea that the relationship between Jews in the U.S. and Israel can be expanded beyond the traditional financial support of American donors. Calling Jews “Am Echad,” or “one people,” he said that the relationship needs to expand into a more synergistic one in which we learn from each other: “We are obliged to work together more than ever on many different levels as active investors in each other’s future.” As an example, he cited the numerous exchanges of technological expertise between Jews of the two countries.
Speaking about the political situation in the Middle East, Dayan observed that “in order to achieve peace, the Palestinians need to recognize the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state,” and maintaining that peace will require “any future Palestinian state to be demilitarized.”
He closed by thanking Federation for its “incredible work,” stating that it is “highly appreciated” in Israel.
Steven Morris then took the podium to discuss the many highlights and accomplishments of Federation over the past year, many of which he noted as examples of the Federation system’s power to “heal the world.”
Leading the list was the successful name change (dropping the “United” from Federation’s name), the celebration of Federation’s 75th Anniversary with a gala event in January, a free community event in October that celebrated Jewish heroes, the expansion of Federation’s Young Adult Division, Birthright Israel and educational efforts, and, lastly, the creation of the new Jewish Community Relations Center.
He also emphasized “bold steps” that Federation took by creating the “Community Planning and Innovation Center,” saying that the Center will be a catalyst for innovative programs and services. Two of its new programs, Moishe House and One Happy Camper, are prime examples of Federation’s bold leadership in the community; funded by the new “Community Innovation Fund,” both will “serve to strengthen Jewish San Diego. “
Tuttleman returned to honor the “tireless work” of the volunteers who were retiring from the Board of Directors and other leadership positions. “Each year we seek to recognize those volunteers whose contribution is “above and beyond.” She acknowledged Kobi Berkson, Stacie Bresler-Reinstein, Karen Breziner, Claudia Ehrlich, Rob Fink, Jean Gaylis, Susan Kabakoff, Judy Lilienthal, Carlos Michan, Brian Miller, Ken Polin, Shulamit Ritblatt, and Molly Schneider. Each received a book about Louis Rose, the first Jewish settler in San Diego, written by Don Harrison. Each one was inscribed with the words “in grateful appreciation from the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County” and included a photo of the Louis Rose memorial in Point Loma, which was dedicated earlier this year.
The event was indicative of the collaborative nature of Federation’s work. The leadership of virtually every Federation community partner was in attendance.
The meeting was concluded by the unanimous election of seven new members to the Federation Board.
The 2011-2012 Federation Board of Directors includes: Board Chair, Jan Tuttleman; Vice Chair – Jewish Philanthropy, Theresa Dupuis; Vice Chair – Women’s Philanthropy, Laura Tauber; Vice Chair – Community Planning & Innovation Center, Judy Belinsky; Vice Chair – Community Planning & Innovation Center, Susan Shmalo; Vice Chair – Finance & Treasurer/Secretary, Gary Kornfeld; Immediate Past Board Chair, Andrea Oster; Chair – Israel & Overseas Center. Jon Schneider; Chair – Jewish Community Relations Center, Tad Parzen; Young Adult Division Chair, Brooke Demner; Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair, Lori Polin; Jewish Community Foundation Board Chair, Emily Einhorn; President & Chief Executive Officer, Steven J. Morris. The directors at large are: Terri Bignell, Rich Effress, David Geffen, Leigh Johnson, Marty Klitzner Jennifer Levitt, Jack Maizel, Gary Shekhter, Stuart Starr, Brian Tauber, Simon Vainer, and Caryn Viterbi.
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Preceding provided by the Jewish Federation of San Diego County