SocialMiami - Lion of Judah Event 2024

Lion of Judah Event 2024

More than 500 of Miami’s most generous Jewish women came together to demonstrate the power of philanthropy and sisterhood.

by Gala Guide Admin in Features, Photo Galleries, SocialEyes

1---Women’s-Philanthropy-Campaign-Chair-Amanda-Adler,-Lion-of-Judah-Event-Chair-Jill-Schwartz- — Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair Amanda Adler, Lion of Judah Event Chair Jill Schwartz, Micaela Diamond and Women’s Philanthropy President Elise Udelson

“We are here today because we are hurting … because we need each other … because we are Jews … because we want to do something … because, together, we CAN do something.” These powerful words from Amanda Adler, Greater Miami Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair, were the reason more than 500 of Miami’s most generous Jewish women came together for the Lion of Judah Event. Chaired by Jill Schwartz, the event marked 109 days since Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel and focused on Federation’s vital ongoing response.

Guests heard from an Israeli couple who recounted how they and their young children barely survived the terrorist attack in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where several relatives and friends were murdered. Despite their extreme trauma and grief, the Federation-funded assistance they have received while relocating to Miami has “restored their faith in humanity.” Tali Levanon, CEO of Federation partner agency the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), joined via Zoom from Israel and shared how ITC is providing critical therapeutic support to a country suffering from significant trauma and depression. Both Women’s Philanthropy President Elise Udelson and Lion of Judah Endowment Chair Tammy Woldenberg spoke about their experiences on a recent solidarity mission to Israel to bear witness to the aftermath of the atrocities. In addition, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was recognized for her efforts to combat the alarming rise in antisemitism, both before and since the fateful day in Israel. The event also featured an interview with and performance by Tony- and Grammy-Award-nominated Broadway actor Micaela Diamond. She spoke about her Jewish journey and her experience starring in the timely revival of Parade and wowed everyone with her incredible singing voice.

Inspired by what they heard — including all the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is doing to help Israelis face a new and unimaginable future — the event raised approximately $1.8 million for the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, which provides a lifeline of support and services in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries around the world.

2 - Greater Miami Jewish Federation General Campaign Chair Lily Serviansky and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava - Cropped — Greater Miami Jewish Federation General Campaign Chair Lily Serviansky and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

3---Jill-Schwartz,-Patricia-Schupak,-Marissa-Gimelstein-and-Elizabeth-Green- — Jill Schwartz, Patricia Schupak, Marissa Gimelstein and Elizabeth Green

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, 18,000 women worldwide (with more than 750 in Miami) proudly wear the gold Lion pin to signify their commitment. It is so much more than a piece of jewelry; it is recognized as an icon for women’s giving and serves as a powerful symbol of women’s philanthropy.