The Federation has been responding expertly to crisis and is ready for whatever comes next, even as the nonprofit supports joyful Jewish living in Milwaukee — this was the message when Milwaukee Jewish Federation held its Annual Meeting on Aug 15, 2024.
A new board of directors was elected, accomplishments were celebrated, and Dr. Judy Coran was named 2024-25 Board chair. Federation representatives reiterated their oft-repeated refrain: It cares for the needs of the Jewish people and builds a vibrant Jewish future in Milwaukee, in Israel and around the world.
Coran, an ophthalmologist, living in Mequon, has been a longtime, devoted supporter of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. She chaired Major Gifts and led both Women’s Philanthropy and the Annual Campaign, and at the Annual Meeting she accepted her new role as chair of the board enthusiastically.
Outgoing Board Chair Joan Lubar and Miryam Rosenzweig, President and CEO, were among the speakers, at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay.
“We’ve been building our capacity and ability to respond to the community over generations, and when there is a crisis, we are ready,” Lubar said, referring to Federation’s post-Oct. 7 work. “Our community shows up and we come together.”
It was noted how Federation is a “first responder” for issues like the rise of antisemitism on campus.
Rosenzweig discussed the challenging opening hours and days of the post-Oct. 7 crisis, with some detail on Federation’s rapid and professional response (see “Federation’s response to Oct. 7 and aftermath,” p. 11).
Rosenzweig also talked about Federation priorities: “Number one is the safety and security of the Jewish community. Nothing comes before that. Everybody needs to stay and feel safe.” To that, she added the importance of a response to antisemitism and that there must still be “light and joy in Jewish Milwaukee.”
Federation representatives thanked those who contributed to the Annual Campaign, the Israel Emergency Fund and the Jewish Community Foundation, among other support. It was noted that each dollar strengthens a collective impact and makes a difference locally, nationally, in Israel and around the world. Rosenzweig thanked Jewish professionals in Wisconsin and at Federation, for their work in the difficult post-Oct. 7 era.
Rabbi David Cohen, spiritual leader at Congregation Sinai, delivered a D’Var Torah.
Julie Schack, chief development officer, noted fundraising success during deeply challenging times and expressed gratitude. Susan Angel Miller is the 2023-25 Annual Campaign co-chair, with incoming co-chair Tanya Arbit. Max Rasansky, 2023-24 Annual Campaign co-chair, was greatly thanked during the proceedings, for his work.
Lisa Hiller, 2023-24 Governance Chair, led the installation of the new board.
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