The Jackson County, Missouri, legislature passed a resolution honoring Gavriela Geller, the immediate past executive director of Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC), for her achievements during her tenure.
The resolution, adopted at a legislative meeting on July 16, was sponsored by 2nd District At-Large Legislator Donna Peyton. It specifically highlights Geller’s achievements as leader of JCRB|AJC, including her being the youngest and first woman to serve as its executive director; her work building “a robust infrastructure essential for combating antisemitism;” spearheading education initiatives; deepening relationships with community partners; ensuring safety and wellbeing of Jewish students; and organizing the Driving Out Darkness in the Heartland: 2024 Regional Summit on Combating Antisemitism.
“JCRB|AJC has become a national model under her leadership, driven by her desire to honor her late father and ancestors,” the resolution reads.
Geller’s impact on legislation was also highlighted, including her contributions to the passage of the NO HATE Act in 2021, the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism in Kansas in 2022 and her work securing funding for Jewish community security this year.
“The Jackson County Legislature recognizes her tireless efforts and profound impact on the Jewish community in Kansas City and beyond,” the resolution reads. “... the Legislature hereby extends its deepest appreciation and commendation to Gavriela ‘Gavi’ Geller for her outstanding service and dedication… and extends its best wishes for her future endeavors.”
Upon the adoption of the resolution, Geller was invited to speak in front of the legislature and audience at the Jackson County Courthouse. She thanked her wife, Samantha von Ende, the staff and board of JCRB|AJC (who were in attendance) and the legislators.
“Everything I’ve done, of course, to defend my community in this moment is done so in the broader context of understanding that we are all actually in community, and that to protect one is to attempt to protect all,” Geller said to the legislators. “...It has been an honor to play a small part in working with you on that.”
Geller told The Chronicle that the honor was unexpected and deeply meaningful, and her role at JCRB|AJC allowed her to further appreciate local government. She considered representing the Jewish community in government relations to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
“It has truly been a joy to work with elected officials towards a safer, more inclusive Kansas City,” she said. “I’m touched that such esteemed leaders believe I have achieved any small measure of that. This resolution inspires me to keep pushing forward - the work continues.”
Neta Meltzer, interim executive director of JCRB|AJC, told The Chronicle that Geller’s leadership “has had a deep impact both within our community and among our friends and partners throughout our region. We're thrilled she was recognized for her many achievements in this role."
The minutes, details and video of the July 16 legislative meeting are available at jacksonco.legistar.com, as is the resolution itself, No. 21672.
