Message From Federation’s President

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Federation & Foundation of Rockland County, we are pleased to present our annual report. While the work we set out to do last July was altered by the events of October 7th, we were able to accomplish many of our strategic goals while pivoting to address the immediate and emerging needs of our People - both here and in Israel. Having a strategic plan enabled us to adapt quickly and continue acting in accordance with our vision as the immediacy of responding to events subsided.

While this Annual Report highlights many of our actions since October 7th, looking back at the goals we shared in last year’s annual report, here is how we met or modified them:
 

1. Celebrate the Diversity of Jewish Rockland & Seek Opportunities for Unity: Rather than lead in “convening” at locations and events we had planned prior to October 7th, we met people where they were- whether it was at our organized Rally in New City on October 10th or our bus trip to Washington DC, our gathering to provide strategies for progressives @ CSI Nyack, our debrief from our CEO’s trip to Israel, our events to hear from our elected officials, or in homes, schools, Town Halls,or other fora we created for people to process the trauma of October 7th.
2. Expand the Rockland Security Initiative - we accelerated the planned pace based on requests from organizations who had not yet fully engaged prior to Oct. 7th.
3. Re-launch Women’s Philanthropy.
4. Reinvigorate the Leadership Development Program - it was revised to consider the leadership skills needed in our “new normal” whether leading a Jewish or non-Jewish organization.
5. Build & strengthen coalitions outside our community - the Board developed criteria for allyship based on responses/non-responses to October 7th and the rise of antisemitism locally.
6. Revise our allocations process - the Allocations Committee developed a process and criteria consistent with the goals of the Federation and the criteria set forth by the Board in its principles of engagement with allies. The Allocations Committee also launched a “small grants” application process to engage smaller organizations who do important work for the Community consistent with the Federation’s strategic goals.

Going forward, the community can expect the Federation to:
 

1. Continue Israel advocacy & support including our Community Solidarity Trip to Israel this summer as well as a Momentum trip specifically for moms in the community slated for December.
2. Continue to enhance our Rockland Security Initiative and provide collaborative opportunities and debriefings amongst partners.
3. Continue to fight antisemitism and hate by speaking out and showing up - whether invited or not- at every forum where it rears its ugly head - whether online, at Town Hall meetings, schools, business districts, places of worship, schools or on the streets- we will be there.
4. Leverage the resources and expertise in the community to provide services to the vulnerable through an expanded network of partners.
5. Support & collaborate with the institutions and organizations in our Community who focus on unifying our diverse community and fostering pride in our identity.

We look forward to your continuing input and collaboration as we strive to meet the moment- taking collective action and honoring our ancient tradition of being responsible for and to each other.

Am Yisrael Chai,

Marcy Pressman,
President