Lion of Judah | Greater Miami Jewish Federation
The annual Women's Philanthropy event celebrated the Miami Lion sisterhood, a family of the most dedicated and philanthropic women who care deeply about those in need and strengthening Jewish life.
At the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Lion of Judah event, former hostage Emily Damari — who was abducted during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel — became an honorary Lion of Judah recognizing her fierce courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances. The afternoon featured a candid and emotional conversation between renowned Israeli journalist Tamar Ish-Shalom and Damari who shared her story of being held captive for 471 days in Gaza.
The annual event celebrated the Miami Lion sisterhood, a family of the most dedicated and philanthropic women who care deeply about those in need and strengthening Jewish life. Jill Hertzberg chaired the event with her daughters Jerri Hertzberg Bassuk and Hillary Hertzberg Benson and daughter-in-law Amanda Chamberlain Hertzberg, all second-generation Lions.
Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair Leslie Benitah recounted her experience of how Federation responded immediately when she and her family — along with hundreds of other Miamians — were stuck in Israel during the war with Iran this summer, and then again on a leadership mission to her hometown in Paris where she witnessed rising antisemitism.
Women’s Philanthropy President Amanda Adler and Jewish Miami Legacy Committee Chair and Past WP President Laura Koffsky were also part of the meaningful program that made everyone Jewish Miami Proud.
Created in 1972 for the Miami Women’s Division Campaign by Norma Kipnis Wilson and Toby Friedland, both of blessed memory, the Lion of Judah is now an international society of women who make a minimum donation of $5,000 annually. Today, 19,000 women worldwide (with approximately 800 in Miami) proudly wear the gold Lion pin to signify their commitment.
Platinum Sponsors
Bilzin Sumberg
Braman Automotive
Fuse Group
Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
Miami Herald
Gold Sponsors
Akerman
Carlton Fields
City National Bank
Kaufman Rossin
Kent Security Services
LSN Partners
Silver Sponsors
Meland Budwick, P.A.
NFP The Meltzer Group
Bronze Sponsors
Houlihan Lokey
Media Stage
Omnia Family Wealth
Sidley
Pearl Sponsors
Addison House
Baptist Health
BDO
CRE Capital Group
Dacra
GS2 Law
Holland & Knight
Podhurst Orseck, P.A.
Sigfried Rivera
Sokol & Sokol
