More than 1,700 women donors, community leaders, and allies convened in Atlanta for three days in January for the Jewish Federations of North America’s Lion of Judah Conference. The event featured addresses emphasizing strength and resilience, delivered by members of hostage families and those who lost loved ones since October 7, communal leaders, U.S. officials, and Israeli politicians. During the convention, there were daily developments in the negotiations of a ceasefire and the release of hostages, adding to the sense of urgency that many women at the conference felt about their mission.
Michal Herzog, the First Lady of Israel, was recognized with the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award for her work exposing sexual crimes committed by Hamas. JEWISHcolorado’s Ruth Malman was officially honored with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award.
Among the 30 women who attended from JEWISHcolorado were new and seasoned leaders including Adriane Greenberg, Chair of Women’s Philanthropy. When she returned, she shared her reflections on her first Lion of Judah Conference.
This was my first trip to the Lion of Judah conference, and it exceeded my expectations. At JEWISHcolorado, I have served as the Chair of the Young Adult Division and Chair of Jewish Life and Engagement, but now that I am Chair of Women’s Philanthropy, it seemed like a perfect time for me to go to the Conference.
Since October 7, I have felt a stronger calling to my Judaism, and I wanted to make sure I attended. At the conference, singer-songwriter and founder of the Heroes Project Gilad Segev spoke, and he said, “The Jewish story is a love story—our love for each other.” That is how I have always felt about Judaism. I have always loved being Jewish and it has always been my identity, so it was important for me to be at the Conference to learn even more about the role that women play in philanthropy.
I felt the power of 1700 Jewish women coming together with a shared purpose. No matter where they were from, everyone was so friendly, and you felt this immediate bond whether it was in the elevators, hallways, or the break-out sessions.
Because of October 7th, this was a different year with a focus on Israel and the hostages, but that was exactly what was needed. The caliber of the many speakers was exceptional and there were so many opportunities to learn from inspirational Jewish women leaders.
We heard from Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Her strength and the way that she continues to fight for the hostages even though her son did not come back is incredible. Every day, she wakes up to the same fight, continuing to show up despite her personal grief. I don’t know if, under the circumstances, I would have half her strength. She told us she does not remember “who I was before this,” and she also said, “Good people show up and they continue to want to give what they have to help.” That thought, she told us, helps sustain her faith in humanity.
I also attended a session with Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy who is Chair of The Civil Commission on Oct. 7th Crimes Against Women and Children and an Israel Prize Winner. She said to us, “It is sometimes difficult to keep repeating the truth, but that is exactly what we have to keep doing. We cannot lose hope that the truth will prevail.”
What the hostage families are doing and the investigations that advocates are continuing must be so draining mentally and emotionally, but they continue their work because they know how important it is. In your daily life, you have an option to tune things out or to not engage, but these women don’t have a choice. To hear about their work in person is emotional, but it’s also inspirational.
The speaker who had a profound impact on me was Yarden Gonen, the sister of the hostage Romi Gonen. She said that she knew her sister was still alive and fighting, and she had so much hope that she would make it home. Then, just days after we returned from the conference, I watched Romi Gonen as she was released. That is something I will never forget.
Local connections
At the conference, there was the official presentation of the 2024 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award to Ruth Malman. Ruth is so deserving of this award. What really stands out about her is that she always shows up. As Board Chair, she was so supportive of me and of younger women on the Board. She always wants to hear our voices, and she believes in what we have to say. Because of her, I wanted to be more engaged at JEWISHcolorado. I really look up to her as a leader, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate her.
It was also a wonderful experience to be with 30 women of different ages and different experiences from the JEWISHcolorado community. This was an opportunity to spend time with incredible women who have long histories with Women’s Philanthropy. We could pick up their knowledge, feed off their energy, and hear the amazing work they have been doing for many years. They were so gracious in their words and actions, and it was wonderful to be with them and see their passion. It really tightens your bond with JEWISHcolorado. Also, I have to say that having a female President and CEO of JEWISHcolorado—Renée Rockford—at this conference had a huge impact.
To watch Rabbi Emily Hyatt from Temple Emanuel up on the stage speaking was such a moment of pride. She is an amazing rabbi and leader, and it was very special to see her thriving and inspiring so many. I feel grateful that she is part of our community.
This conference also strengthened my connection with the Jewish Federations of North America. It’s easy to slip into a bubble in your local community, but it was eye-opening to see and hear what all the other Federations are doing world-wide and to learn more about their successes. I was able to meet with all the Federation Chairs of Women’s Philanthropy to brainstorm, discuss the challenges we face, and bring those ideas back home with me. I was impressed by the security measures that are being implemented throughout the country, and the Federation is leading that charge.
At the Lion of Judah Conference, you realize how important Federations are and how important our work is. We can mobilize, and we can help those in need because we have a system in place so it’s important to continue to support JEWISHcolorado. I came back from the conference with a renewed sense of optimism. I believe that even after these difficult months since October 7th when sometimes you feel isolated in the secular world, we will come back stronger because we are together—fighting antisemitism, sharing the same values, working for the release of the hostages, and making the world a better place.
For more information about Women’s Philanthropy, contact Roberta Witkow, JEWISHcolorado Director of Women’s Philanthropy.