In looking back over the past two years as JCFR president, Amy Nisenson reflected on the horrific times in Israel and Ukraine, the Federation’s milestone fundraising, successful Federation initiatives with community partners, and her amazing experiences in Israel and Poland.
“In the times of crisis,” Amy noted, “I was humbled by the community’s outpouring of support and coming together after Oct. 7. We made a huge statement on Oct. 9 when more than 1,000 people attended the Community Solidarity Gathering – Richmond Stands with Israel – at the JCC. I also am pleased at how the community supported the families of our local Lone Soldiers and the family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.”
She continued, “We hit an outstanding fundraising milestone this year including reaching our ambitious Annual Campaign goal! I am so pleased that the community stepped up with many new donors as we raised more than $6 million this year – $3.1 million for our Annual Campaign, $2.2 million for our Israel Emergency Campaign, and about $800,000 in Supplemental Gifts. This is due to the hard work and commitment of the leadership team of Richard Thalhimer, Brian Greene, Jill Goldfine, and Hedy Lapkin, and the support of our professional team, board, and large donors. This is truly amazing for our community to come together to help Jews locally, in Israel, and around the world.”
She shared, “More recently, it’s been a tough time for everybody with so much to think about with the rise of antisemitism and the local Pro-Palestinian and college campus protests. The Federation and our agencies continue to work together to counter what has been going on at our college campuses and in Jewish Communities around the Commonwealth.
She saluted one new program that stood out in particular – Dignity Grows.
“I am thrilled that we were really successful with Dignity Grows – getting a large grant from the Junior League and winning the $100,000 Impact 100 grant that will sustain our program for a good while.”
“I love that this largely volunteer-driven Federation program, initially coordinated by the Federation’s Jill Grossman, received outstanding support from volunteer leaders Ellen Renee Adams, Jill Goldfine, and Shields Jackson. They led the many packing parties with the help of dozens of volunteers who filled well over 3,000 bags and distributed them to our local partner organizations with the essential supplies to help women and girls live healthier lives. I did not know that Period Poverty was such a critical issue for many young women, and I am proud we are making a small dent in this issue locally.”
Amy continued, “This year’s Grand Event – The Grand Response at the Altria Theater – was an event of which I am so proud. Every Grand Event over the years has been successful, but this stood out with over 400 people attending to celebrate all we do and to support Israel after Oct. 7.”
“Our Board committees are stronger than ever,” Amy said. “I am proud of our board and committee chairs working hard together on the Campaign, Allocations, Women’s Philanthropy, Israel and Overseas, JCRC, the Budget, and more , supporting and offering guidance on all the work we do.”
My one disappointment during my tenure as President was that a group of our Federation women could not go to Morocco, but I hope another Mission to Morocco can take place in the future. Also, I am sad that the Federation had to move offices from the JCC after 26 years due to their Early Childhood expansion needs, but I am proud that we are in a great place at our new location and are keeping our long-term relationship with the JCC intact.”
“I want to give a shout out to Daniel’s leadership of the Richmond Federation and our professional team over the last two years. One of their greatest achievements included working effectively in 2023 with the Jewish Communities of Tidewater, the Peninsula, and Northern Virginia to ensure that the Virginia General Assembly approved the Antisemitism definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.”
“I’d also like to note the importance of our Strategic Plan adopted in my first year. We now have a formal road map to help guide us for the next three-to-five years. This plan will continue to be reviewed and updated. The Board and staff will be thoughtful and flexible by continually making changes so that the Federation can remain relevant and an important leader in our community.”
Amy recently visited Israel, for the 5th time, but for the first time with her husband, David, on a Volunteer Mission.
“It was a great experience to hear the personal stories of the many Israelis changing and adapting their daily lives after Oct. 7. I liked that we were there to support them with volunteer jobs. One that stands out was where we picked cucumbers and tomatoes at an agricultural farm that provided 80% of these vegetables throughout Israel. The owner lost most of his workers on Oct. 7, and he has been dependent on volunteers since then. To help him and do something concrete and beneficial was both rewarding and impactful.”
“Visiting the city of Hadera once again with our group of five Richmonders along with more than 20 others from the P2G Southeast Consortium was satisfying, and we learned how their lives have changed since Oct. 7. It was great to meet like-minded people from the P2G Consortium who wanted to make a difference. I am glad that David and I went to support our Hadera friends.”
Amy also visited Poland and Israel in 2022 on a JFNA Fundraising and Resource Development Mission to learn more about the assistance being provided for displaced Ukrainian Jews who had escaped from their homes into Poland. Many of these people were also re-locating to Israel.
“In our visits to Israel and then to Poland after the outbreak of the Ukraine War with Russia, we saw how JDC and other Jewish Agencies were assisting Ukrainian refugees who were coming across the border into Poland. While there, I had an opportunity to visit Auschwitz for the first time. I walked away realizing that NO MATTER HOW MANY HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS YOU TALK TO, HOW MANY STORIES YOU READ, OR HOW MANY MOVIES YOU SEE, UNTIL YOU SEE WHERE ATROCITIES WERE COMMITTED AND WHAT THESE PEOPLE WENT THROUGH YOU STILL LITERALLY CANNOT FATHOM IT. It’s an unfortunate parallel to the recent antisemitic attacks we are currently living through.”
She continued, “Throughout Poland we saw the amazing work of JDC helping Ukrainian families who had come to Poland to get settled with jobs, housing, clothing, and much more. Some were preparing to begin new lives in Israel with the help of JAFI, JFNA, and the JDC. We got to speak and spend time with them and learn how they were being supported.”
“As I conclude my 2-years as JCFR President, I feel that we have a great group of leaders who are always available for guidance, and the future of our Richmond Federation is very solid. The Federation and the Richmond Jewish Foundation are working in tandem, engaging the community on Legacies and Endowments, and much more.
“All our agencies (JCC, JFS, RTA, and the synagogues) have continued to work together effectively, and our community is stronger for this collaboration.”
My work over the last two years has made me feel both appreciative and fortunate. “I wake up every day full of passion! In my daily life, I have passion and love for my family and our time together, for my professional day-to-day work in the non-profit world as a grantmaker and a nonprofit consultant, and for my special rewarding work with the Jewish Community and the Federation. During these two years, my passion for the work of the Federation has grown even stronger.”
“I look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting on June 5 where I will share more about our JCFR accomplishments that space would not allow for this article. I am honored to have served as President and look forward to Josh Goldberg’s leadership over the next two years. Hope to see on June 5th at the Holocaust Museum.”
