Bub Fromer joins the Lions in Phoenix, Ufberg receives award

Dr. Carol Bub Fromer represented the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley at the Jewish Federations of North America’s International Lion of Judah Conference in Phoenix December 11-13.

The gathering of 1,200 women philanthropists from 80 communities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala and Israel raised $24.2 million to support the Jewish Federations’ mission to build flourishing Jewish communities.

Bub Fromer, a family medicine physician with St. Luke’s University Health Network, attended the conference as a board member of the Lions’ parent organization, the National Women’s Philanthropy. “The highlight of the conference for me was meeting in person with my amazing colleagues from the national women’s board,” she said. “To be at a conference of 1,200 Lions of Judah was both humbling and inspiring, and a reminder of the powerful role that women play in Jewish philanthropy and creating positive change around the world.”

The conference celebrated 50 years of Lion of Judah, the signature women’s philanthropic movement of the Jewish community that was founded in 1972 by Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland. Focal areas of the conference included women’s empowerment, the Federations’ role in global crises, mental health, and security and antisemitism.

Eileen Ufberg of Allentown was one of 58 women from 58 Federation communities to receive the 2022 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award during the conference. The award recognizes leaders who embody the spirit and vision of Lions of Judah through their commitment to “tzedakah” (righteous behavior), “tikkun olam” (repairing the world) and community service.

“I was so honored to win this award from our community,” said Ufberg, who was unable to attend the conference. “What an amazing place to have been for the last 50-plus years!”

Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, said, “We are so proud to recognize Eileen Ufberg as our Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient. She is so deserving of this award for all she does for women’s philanthropy and for our community.”

During the conference, participants discussed urgent issues the Jewish community is facing and heard from thought leaders on opportunities to
effect change through philanthropic giving. Speakers included Congresswoman Kathy Manning of North Carolina, Academy Award-winner Marlee Matlin and
award-winning journalist Katie Couric. Couric became a Lion of Judah during her keynote address and was pinned with the brooch symbolizing her entry into
the organization of philanthropists.

Carolyn Gitlin, chair of National Women’s Philanthropy of Jewish Federations of North America, said, “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.”

To date, Lions of Judah have raised more than $1 billion supporting Jewish communities and aiding vulnerable Jews at home, in Israel and around the globe.
Today, over 18,000 Lions are making high-impact gifts.