Annie Glickman, Beth Liss, Sondra Friedman, and Sandi White Fried attended Jewish Federations of North America's (JFNA) International Lion of Judah Conference in Phoenix, Arizona last week.
They joined more than 1,200 women from 80 communities around the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and Israel.
“To be with so many female philanthropists in one room, all who are deeply committed to and feel responsible for our Jewish philanthropic values, provided me with hope and inspiration to help guide our sacred work in the coming year,” Glickman, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s campaign director, said.
Susan Goldsmith was among 58 women from 58 Federation communities who were honored as a 2022 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award winner. This award recognizes Lions of Judah who have shown a commitment to tzedakah, tikkun olam and community service.
The conference celebrated 50 years of Lions of Judah, the signature women’s philanthropic movement of the Jewish community, which was founded in 1972 by Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland. Focal areas of this year’s conference included women’s empowerment, Federations’ role in global crises, mental health, and security and antisemitism.
During the conference, participants engaged in dialogue on urgent issues the Jewish community faces and heard from thought leaders on opportunities to effect change through philanthropic giving. Speakers included Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC), Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin, award-winning journalist Katie Couric and more.
During her keynote address at the opening plenary, Couric became a Lion of Judah and was pinned with the symbolic brooch symbolizing her entry into this amazing cadre of philanthropists.
“This year’s conference is an opportunity to celebrate this unbelievable cadre of women leaders who are touching countless lives and strengthening Jewish communities around the globe through their collective giving,” said Carolyn Gitlin, chair of National Women’s Philanthropy of JFNA. “As the influence of women in charitable giving continues to grow, I have no doubt that our ‘Lions’ will continue to make a transformational impact on our Jewish world.”
“Women’s philanthropy is the fastest growing campaign in Jewish Federations,” added Julie Platt, JFNA board chair. “Jewish Federations are dedicated to supporting and strengthening the role of women in their charitable decision-making, as they continue to inspire the next generation of philanthropic leadership.”
During the event, Lions raised a collective $24.2 million supporting Federation's mission to build flourishing Jewish communities. To date, Lions of Judah have collectively raised more than one billion dollars supporting Jewish communities and aiding vulnerable Jews at home, in Israel, and around the globe.
