By Dot Heffron, Director of Women’s Philanthropy
A delegation of 12 women from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond attended the Jewish Federations of North America’s 2025 International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta, from Jan. 12-14.
With record-breaking attendance, this transformative gathering brought together 1,700 philanthropic women from more than 90 communities across the Federation system and beyond, including Israel, Spain, the UK, Mexico, and Guatemala.
Together, we celebrated the Lions of Judah’s extraordinary impact, representing over $36 million in annual campaign contributions and $34 million toward the Israel Emergency Fund.
Michal Herzog, the First Lady of Israel, received the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award for her leadership in exposing the systemic sexual crimes perpetrated on October 7th.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin was honored with the Lion of Valor Award for her tireless advocacy for Israeli hostages.
Attendees were inspired by engaging plenaries, educational Impact Forums, and meaningful opportunities to connect, strengthening our shared commitment to the future of the Jewish people.
Federation Lions of Judah are philanthropic women of all ages who unite as an international sisterhood of global advocates, deeply committed to the Jewish community. They are dedicated to social justice, aiding the vulnerable, and promoting Jewish identity for generations to come.
Every Lion pledges to give at least $5,000 annually to her local Jewish Federation’s campaign, making a powerful personal statement about her values and dedication to the Jewish people.
The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award (KWF) is presented biennially by Jewish Federations of North America to a Lion of Judah who exemplifies the highest standards of philanthropy and volunteerism.
KWF recipients are fierce defenders of the disadvantaged, stalwarts of the worldwide Jewish community, and champions of a strong Jewish future. A Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland honoree is nominated by her fellow Lions as a woman of valor who has elevated her commitment to extraordinary levels.
The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond is proud to have named Nannette Shor as our Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland awardee for the 2025 International Lion of Judah Conference.
Nannette has set a high standard for philanthropic leadership, not only through her service to the Richmond community but also through her role on the National Women’s Philanthropy Board of Jewish Federations of North America.
When asked what being a Lion of Judah means to her, Nannette shared, “Being a Lion of Judah symbolizes my commitment to strengthening Jewish life and building thriving Jewish communities. My gift to Federation reflects my pride in being Jewish and my dedication to supporting my Jewish community, both locally and globally. I believe that, after family, our Jewish people and Israel are the most important to our existence, and we must work together to strengthen our communities, as no one else will do it for us! Being a Lion of Judah inspires me to dig deep and protect the future of Judaism for my children, grandchildren, and all those who will follow. I am committed to building a strong Jewish future and ensuring the survival of a thriving Israel.”
Nannette and all the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland awardees were honored at the International Lion of Judah Conference with a beautiful scarf during a moving and inspiring ceremony.
For more information about the ILOJC or the Lion of Judah program, please contact Dot Heffron, Director of Women’s Philanthropy, at dheffron@jewishrichmond.org.
