Bob Silverman

Jeff Koenig

Jewish Federations of North America's annual campaign is the engine that drives the work of the federation system. The 157 federations across North America raise more than $1 billion each year to address urgent needs in local communities, in Israel and in 63 countries around the world.

The annual campaign is our opportunity to donate to our local federation, the Jewish federation of Rockland county, in support of Jews locally and worldwide.

As campaign chairs we are often faced with the “argument” that the most "Jewish" way to give is to bypass the centralized campaign and give directly to those in need. In fact, the Talmud insists that the contribution to the centralized fund is the highest form of tzedakah, because it ensures the anonymity of both donor and recipient.

A centralized campaign is best prepared to meet the challenges of emergency issues which require a united front, such as responding to anti-Semitism or organizing rescue missions for Jews in danger. The Federation system has many proven successes in this area. We have rescued Jews from Yemen, Ethiopia, the former Soviet Union, and Argentina. Our support of Israel allows it to keep open its arms to the many Jews currently fleeing the daily increasing rise of anti-Semitism in Europe.

There are countless stories of how federation funding helps. Igor Yutch, 21, a new immigrant to Israel form Moscow, now proudly serves in the Israel Defense Forces. He could not imagine this growing up, but it could not have happened without federation aid.
“Thank you for helping me to come home,” Igor writes. “I had no doubt when I made aliyah from Moscow that I would defend this country-my country. I am proud to be serving in the Israel Defense Forces.”

Igor’s story is just one of many that gives us the energy, strength and most of all satisfaction to do the volunteer work we do.

Our Federation’s annual campaign embodies the values and traditions of the North American Jewish community more than anything else we do. It says that we care about people, not about their politics or religious practices. It says that we will -- as a community -- address critical, often life-threatening issues. Emergency campaigns have always been successful in Rockland County.  As a united community, we should not wait for the next emergency. We should be proactive and engaged at all times and by participating in our Annual campaign, we can insure that that is the case.

By allocating the funds we raise to area agencies and overseas, we touch the lives of many, through programs we fund. We have supported projects to combat domestic abuse, examine public health problems, alleviate hunger and support education, Jewish continuity and more. The impact of the continuing and unparalleled philanthropic success of the annual campaign is priceless. Millions of lives have been saved, cared for, reached out to and rebuilt. At the same time, centuries-old Jewish traditions and values preserved for future generations.

This campaign year has been tough but not without success.  We have reached more than100 new donors but there and still so many of you, committed and valued donors of the past, who we have been unable to reach. By joining the list of donors to our Federation’s annual campaign, you are making a valued commitment to our Rockland and world-wide Jewish community.

If you have not made a pledge to the 2010 campaign, there is still time. Pledges made by June 30 can be paid until December. Consider putting a certain amount on a credit card as an automatic monthly charge.  Many donors do this and it saves us on costly mailings and billings. For your convenience, you can visit our website at www.jewsihrockland.org or call 362-4200, ext. 133.

Your one gift can and will touch many.

Jeff Koenig and Bob Silverman are co-chairs of the Jewish Federation of Rockland County’s 2010 Campaign.