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NEW ORLEANS TO HOST GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND INTERNATIONAL LION OF JUDAH CONFERENCE
 

New Orleans will host both the 2010 General Assembly (GA) and International Lion of Judah Conference (ILOJC), both of which were originally scheduled to be held in Orlando. The events will also be held earlier, with the GA slated for Nov. 7-9 and the ILOJC slated for Nov. 8-10.

"We needed to reevaluate the venue," explained Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America. " We are producing the GA and ILOJC during the same week and unfortunately the space in Orlando does not meet the needs that would best accommodate both events and the alternatives in Orlando logistically would have compromised the momentum built from GA 2009. In reviewing our options, it became clear that New Orleans was a community where we, as a Jewish community and family, could reflect on our collective responsibility and action together."

When Hurricane Katrina hit, Federations sprang into action and raised nearly $30 million for emergency aid, shelter, food and counseling for disaster victims. But the response also helped the Jewish Federation movement provide long-term disaster relief solutions. Leading a coalition of Jewish organizations, The Jewish Federations of North America developed a stabilization plan for the communities of Baton Rouge, Biloxi and New Orleans — ensuring the survival of Jewish institutions and creating a lifeline to vitally needed services so people could begin to move forward with their lives.

"New Orleans makes a strong statement about the power of our movement and our focus on tikkun olam," said Silverman.

The chairs of both the GA and the ILOJC embraced this change of venue. Steve and Judy Silverman of Jacksonville, FL will be co-chairing the GA and Julie Russin Bercow of Miami, FL and Leslie Dannin Rosenthal of MetroWest, NJ will be co-chairing ILOJC.

"Hosting the GA in New Orleans will act as a moving reminder to everyone that the Federation movement exists to help those in need," said Steve Silverman. "Never was this message more poignant than right now as we respond to the needs of those in Haiti."

"Steve and I are looking forward to making this GA exceptional," added Judy Silverman. "And hope to see Federation lay leaders and professionals from all over North America join us in New Orleans for what promises to be an inspired event."

The ILOJC Co-Chairs are looking forward to being in New Orleans again.

"National Women’s Philanthropy has a long history with the city of New Orleans," said Julie Russin Bercow. "After Katrina, we sent several groups to the area to offer help. We are thrilled to continue building on the strength of our relationship with this tremendous city."

"The ILOJC is one of the most important events in the Federation world," said Leslie Dannin Rosenthal. "It is the most successful singular fundraising event in our movement, gathering the top women donors and jumpstarting the Annual Campaign."

"The last ILOJC in 2008 raised $16 million for the Annual Campaign," added Bercow. "We hope this ILOJC will raise even more."

Both the 2010 GA and ILOJC promise inspiring speakers, extraordinary programs, hands-on service projects, and countless learning and networking opportunities. For details about the GA, please contact Susan Sherr-Seitz. For details about ILOJC, please contact Beth Mann.