As we approach the close of the 2025 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs on June 30, I find myself filled with gratitude and awe for what we accomplish—together. This year has tested us in ways we couldn’t have predicted. But thanks to your generosity, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment, our campaign was not only successful—it was a lifeline.
Our theme, Here for Good, is more than a message—it has been our mantra. It reminds us that even in a world of uncertainty, we can find strength in community. That together, we can respond to urgent needs—whether here in the Lehigh Valley, in Israel, or around the world.
This year, we did more than raise funds. Through your support, we sustained the heartbeat of our community: our local agencies, the Jewish Day School, Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Community Center, our synagogues, and Hillels. But we also did something more—we took a stand. In the face of rising antisemitism, we educated, advocated, and united. Here for Good came to mean being present, being vocal, and being courageous.
Your strong support and your belief in our mission kept us steady. It is because of you that we were able to:
• Expand food pantry and senior services through Jewish Family Service
• Ensure successful early childhood education, safe summer camps, and vital programming at the Jewish Community Center
• Help the Jewish Day School deliver a robust and safe academic year
• Support Israel while advocating the release of every hostage
• Provide humanitarian aid, rescue efforts, and other critical responses to global crises
Through our Community Relations Council, we stepped up, advancing critical advocacy, education, and security efforts. We were ready because the infrastructure was already in place—built and sustained by your generosity.
This is the power of our annual campaign. It is what enables the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley to respond swiftly in moments of crisis and steadily in times of growth. It is how we ensure that Jewish life here and abroad continues to thrive.
Our achievements this year are thanks to the remarkable leadership of President Robby Wax, campaign cochairs Billy Markson and Israel and Valeska Zighelboim, Women’s Philanthropy President Laurie Wax, and allocations chair Iris Epstein. Their vision, together with our agency partners and professional staff, helped us navigate every challenge with purpose and resolve.
To our volunteers, donors, lay leaders, and every individual who played a role in this journey—thank you. You exemplify the best of who we are.
As the 2025 campaign draws to a close, I am proud of what we do and hopeful for what’s ahead. Your support makes a profound difference. You ensure that our community is not only here, but Here for Good.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful summer. I look forward to your participation in the fall as we prepare for a purposeful and inspiring 2025–26 program year.