Jewish Federations of North America leaders Chara McMichael and Rabbi Joshua Stanton received the inaugural Leadership Award in recognition of their efforts to strengthen Black-Jewish relations and advance interfaith collaboration. 

 

McMichael, Jewish Federations of North America's Senior Director of Political Affairs and Government Relations, and Stanton, Principal Lead for Interfaith and Intergroup Initiatives, have helped foster partnerships rooted in mutual understanding, solidarity, and a shared commitment to combating racism, antisemitism, and other forms of hatred. 

 

"This partnership is an extraordinary opportunity, and this initiative presents an opportunity to strengthen bonds between the Black and Jewish communities," McMichael and Stanton said. "We are deeply honored for the recognition on this important work that is so close to our hearts." 

 

The recognition reflects Jewish Federations' involvement in the "Unfinished Business" pilgrimage, held November 4–11, 2026, and organized by the Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations (BCLCIR). The mission sought to fulfill an unrealized vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who planned to lead a delegation of Black Christian leaders to Israel in 1967. The trip was postponed following the Six-Day War and never took place after his assassination in 1968. 

 

Nearly six decades later, the delegation brought together approximately 500 Christian leaders, including 75 leaders from ten African countries, alongside American rabbis. Participants traveled to biblical and historical sites, visited the site of the Nova music festival massacre, and engaged with Israeli communities to better understand the impact of October 7 and the ongoing challenges facing Israel. 

 

The mission also included events connected to Sigd, an Ethiopian Jewish holiday, and plans for a gathering on Martin Luther King Street in Jerusalem to honor the civil rights leader's legacy. Participants also recognized Israelis personally affected by terrorism and antisemitism, including a former hostage and families who lost loved ones. 

 

Beyond the pilgrimage, the Council aims to strengthen relationships between Black Christian congregations, rabbis, and local Jewish Federations, creating opportunities for continued dialogue and collaboration across North America. 

 

The recognition of McMichael and Stanton reflects Jewish Federations' ongoing commitment to building meaningful interfaith relationships and strengthening coalitions that bring communities together around shared values and mutual understanding.