By Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee CEO, Shep Englander
Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community,
Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Board Chair, David Fried, Chief Development Officer, Hermione Gilpin, Chief Security Officer, Pat Robinson, and I returned home from co-leading the Federation’s moving eight-day Israel Mission just in time for Rosh Hashanah.
Our group of curious and courageous Sarasota civic leaders went to listen, learn, and bear witness, and returned deeply moved by Israel’s pain, resilience, and hope.
We stood in stunned silence at the Nova Music Festival memorial site and with survivors in nearby communities devastated on October 7. We listened to a mother who lost her son, met trauma therapists and those they are helping, and spoke with leading Israeli thought leaders, educators, and artists working to strengthen Israeli society.
We also saw the many connections between Sarasota and Israel. David Fried announced significant contributions from our Israel Emergency Fund to two trauma centers treating servicemen and women with PTSD. We also visited the Daniel Center, Israel’s largest Reform congregation, whose founding donor was former Federation board member Gerry Daniel z”l.
The mission’s key takeaway was this: Israel’s challenges are immense, but so are the courage, creativity, and determination of its people. We saw Israelis caring for October 7 victims and their families, building bridges between Jewish and Arab communities, and choosing life and possibility, even in the shadow of profound loss.
The civic leaders we brought to Israel returned as the best friends the Jewish community could ask for. They came home committed to standing with us in confronting the demonization of Israel and the scourge of Jew hatred.
All of us returned with a renewed understanding of our connection to Israel. Our connection is personal, enduring, and expressed through learning, partnership, and action. At a time when Jewish communities around the world face rising antisemitism and uncertainty, our Federation remains committed to bringing people together, strengthening Jewish life, and standing with Israel.
As the new year begins, may we carry forward the spirit we witnessed: resilience in the face of hardship, compassion across differences, and the courage to build a better future together.
From all of us at the Jewish Federation, we wish you and your loved ones a new year of health, happiness, peace, and hope.
L’shanah tovah!