Pride of 1,700 Lions: 5 LV women join peers to envision Jewish future

Five women philanthropists from the Lehigh Valley joined 1,700 from across the globe at the International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta to show Jewish pride, celebrate rich traditions, empower the next generation of leaders, and pave the way to a brighter future for Jewish communities. 

The sisterhood of Jewish philanthropists and advocates of all ages came together as part of their vital global role in creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity, and building Jewish identity. Caring deeply about the Jewish future, they meet annually to build and strengthen bonds, learn about the issues facing communities, and come up with ideas and plans for making the world a better place.

The half dozen attending the conference from the Lehigh Valley were Lions Aliette Abo, Sylvia Bub, Carol Bub Fromer, and Jewish Federation Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman, along with Lee Solomon, the Federation’s director of community engagement. 

Fromer was among about 60 women from 60 Federation communities at the conference who received the annual Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, recognizing women leaders who embody the spirit and vision of Lion of Judah through a commitment to tzedakah (charity), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and community service. The conference celebrated this impressive group of women making a difference in Jewish life in their local communities, in Israel, and overseas. 

The conference’s programs and sessions reflected a post-October 7 world, with the hostage situation front and center in everyone’s mind. Attendees heard from hostage families, including Jon and Rachel Goldberg Polin, parents of Hersch Goldberg-Polin; Sigal Manzuri, who lost two daughters at the Nova Music Festival; Aviva Segal, whose husband, Keith, is still being held by Hamas; Yarden Gonen, whose sister Romi is also still being held; and Maya Roman, a relative of two women who were taken hostage, and a media strategist and activist on behalf of the hostage families. Despite the tragedy at the core of their talks and the message that their families are getting by day to day, they reminded the audience that hope is mandatory, that we all need to hold onto it as we care for one another and Israel in these challenging times. 

The Lions heard other inspirational messages from Michal Bitton, a scholar and spiritual leader whose mission is to reconnect Jews with our shared heritage and with one another. Author and activist Samantha Ettus helped present the first Ruth Bader Ginsburg award to Israel’s first lady Michal Herzog. Rabbi Emily Hyatt from Temple Emanuel in Denver spoke. Cochav Elkayam Levi, founder and chair of the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children, delivered an update on the work she is doing. Conference attendees also heard from national Women’s Philanthropy lay leaders and Israel and overseas representatives.

Following a bit of fanfare in the grand ballroom, the Lions of Judah and others present learned that there are 20,000 Lions of Judah raising $250 million. As a result of the conference alone, $35 million was raised.

Those funds are more essential than ever at this time. Two major areas being addressed by Jewish Federations globally are combatting antisemitism through activism, education, and awareness, and of course security. Wherever Jewish life is happening, Federations and Jewish agencies are providing security services, at great cost. 

Finally, the group listened to singer-songwriter Gilad Segev and his special project “Heroes.” He delivered a powerful multi-media presentation sharing personal stories from October 7 through music. It was a special program, and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley hopes to be able to bring him to our community.