
Jewish Federations wrapped up their International Lions of Judah Conference (ILOJC) this week with record attendance and inspirational messages. Under the visionary leadership of Iris Kraemer, Chair of National Women’s Philanthropy (NWP), along with Carolyn Gitlin, Immediate Past Chair of NWP, and Conference Co-Chairs Danielle Wild and Dana Keller, the event was a resounding success.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, devoted mother to Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l and a tireless advocate for the Israeli hostages in Gaza, was awarded the Lion of Valor Award for her unwavering courage and dedication.
The Lions of Judah are an international sisterhood of over 18,000 philanthropic women of all ages who serve as leaders in their communities to strengthen the Jewish future. Every Lion plays a critical role in driving social justice, helping the vulnerable, and building flourishing Jewish communities around the world with high-impact philanthropic gifts through their Jewish Federations.
Goldberg-Polin thanked Jewish Federations International Lions of Judah as she received the honor.
“You've never stopped advocating, shouting, praying, crying, being with us,” said Goldberg-Polin, who was recently named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024. “We appreciate it. We need it. We feel it. We are all grateful.”
Michal Herzog, the First Lady of the State of Israel, received the Ruth Bader Ginsberg Award for her tireless work in exposing the systematic sexual crimes perpetrated by Hamas.
Lions of Judah have raised over one billion dollars in total, contributing to the advancement of thriving Jewish communities and aiding vulnerable Jews domestically, in Israel, and worldwide.
The Lions of Judah program was established in 1972 by Norma Kipnis Wilson and Toby Friedland, of blessed memory, to recognize the significant role of women in philanthropy within the Jewish community and allow women to show their commitment to Jewish people through their philanthropy.
At the time Lions of Judah was created, $5,000 was the amount needed to bring a Jewish family from the Former Soviet Union to the United States.
Since its inception, the program has experienced substantial growth, with over 20,000 women worldwide becoming Lions and expanding its reach.
Every other year, the Lions gather at the International Lion of Judah Conference (ILOJC), a transformative gathering of dynamic, influential, and philanthropic women from across the world. It is their chance to show off their Jewish pride, embrace their power, and stand strong for what they believe in. They inspire one another and hear from the world’s leading speakers in the fields of religion, culture, art, business, and politics.
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