4 minute read
Luncheon celebrates the growth and impact of Lion of Judah
Empowering Jewish philanthropy through women's leadership
By Paula Filler, National Women in Philanthropy Board Member
Our Lion of Judah pride recently gathered for a momentous luncheon, welcoming Iris Kraemer, chair of National Women’s Philanthropy for Jewish Federations of North America. This event marked a significant milestone for our group as we celebrated the dramatic growth of our Lion of Judah pride, which now boasts 130 members. Notably, 26 new, thoughtful and philanthropic women joined our ranks over the past year, highlighting the evergrowing strength and commitment of our community.
Kraemer, a distinguished leader in the realm of Jewish philanthropy, holds multiple significant roles. She serves on the Board of Trustees for Jewish Federation of North America and is an Advisory Board member for Jewish Agency for Israel North America. During her address, she shared her extensive experience and insights on the pivotal role of women in supporting Jewish life both within the United States and globally. Her extensive background provided invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within Jewish philanthropy today.
One of the key highlights of Kraemer's speech was the emphasis on the extraordinary contributions made by women in the philanthropic landscape. Lions of Judah alone contribute over $250 million annually towards humanitarian services and support, a testament to the powerful impact of collective giving.
Citing research from Indiana University, she revealed some startling statistics: while Jewish people are among the most philanthropic segments of the U.S. population, less than 50% of their donations go to Jewish organizations. This trend is indeed concerning and calls for a renewed focus on directing philanthropic efforts toward supporting Jewish causes.
Kraemer underscored the influential role of women in philanthropic decision-making within households. According to the research, in philanthropic households, 75% of the philanthropic decisions are made by women. This figure rises to 90% in high-income households, illustrating the significant sway women hold in guiding charitable contributions. This insight reinforces the importance of fostering and empowering women leaders within our community to ensure sustained and impactful support for Jewish causes.
Kraemer underscored the influential role of women in philanthropic decision-making within households. According to the research, in philanthropic households, 75% of the philanthropic decisions are made by women. This figure rises to 90% in high-income households, illustrating the significant sway women hold in guiding charitable contributions. This insight reinforces the importance of fostering and empowering women leaders within our community to ensure sustained and impactful support for Jewish causes.
Our luncheon also provided an opportunity to reflect on how our local support for Jewish Federation of Greater Naples extends its impact far beyond our immediate community. Kraemer shared poignant stories from her personal experiences, including her involvement in the evacuation of Ethiopian Jews from Gondar to Tel Aviv and her time spent in a bomb shelter in Ukraine. These firsthand accounts underscored the critical support we provide to Jewish communities worldwide and highlighted the urgency and importance of our philanthropic efforts.
As our Naples Lions of Judah listened to Kraemer's inspiring words, we embraced the chance to gain a broader understanding of the far-reaching effects of our contributions. This gathering was not only a celebration of our achievements but also a moment to pause and consider the future. The questions posed by Kraemer resonated deeply:
• How will we ensure the continuity of this vital work?
• How will we inspire the next generation to carry forward the torch of Jewish philanthropy?
As we look to the future, let us carry forward the legacy of generosity and compassion that defines our Lion of Judah pride. Together, we will continue to make a profound impact, inspire future generations, and uphold the values that bind us as a community.
