Dear Members of Our Community,

In the past days, many of us have felt deep concern and disappointment following the termination of the Director of Israel Programming at our Rochester Jewish Federation.

This moment is not about one individual alone. It is about direction, priorities, and the future of our community.

At a time when Israel and Jewish identity are under unprecedented pressure, both globally and locally, Israel engagement is not optional. It is essential.

Yet recent actions raise serious questions:

• The decision was made just two weeks before the new CEO begins his role, removing his ability to evaluate and shape this critical function.
• The manner of the dismissal lacked transparency and sensitivity, leaving many in the community unsettled.
• Most concerning, the responsibility for Israel programming is likely to be dispersed across departments, without truly dedicated, centralized and coordinated  leadership that carries  accountability or strategy but most importantly – qualified professionally.

Israel cannot be a “box to check.”

Without a dedicated Director/leader:
• There is no cohesive vision
• No consistent educational standard
• No clear measurement of impact
• And over time, no guarantee that Israel remains a true strategic priority

We are deeply concerned that the responsibility for Israel programming will become an “add-on” into existing roles. This approach will weaken the depth of the program, lack expertise, and risk turning something vital into something symbolic and arbitrary.

At the same time, many in our community have observed a broader pattern:
• A lack of depth in Israel knowledge within leadership
• Confusion between one’s own political positions and communal responsibility
• Missed opportunities to empower staff and create a unified, supportive and respectful environment

Support for Israel must rise above personal politics.

Within our community, we hold a wide range of political views, and that diversity is part of our strength. At the same time, there must be a shared understanding that support for Israel is not contingent on agreement with any particular Israeli government administration or policy. 

A strong Israel is foundational to the security, continuity, and thriving of Jewish communities around the world.

Equally important, strong and well-educated Jewish communities in the diaspora are essential in standing up to the growing wave of antisemitism. This requires knowledge, clarity, and a deep connection to Israel that cannot be built without intentional leadership and sustained investment. When Israel engagement is weakened, our collective resilience is weakened with it.

Our Federation must be a place that strengthens Jewish identity, supports Israel in a meaningful and informed way, and unites our community rather than fragments it.

This is why we are taking an action.

We are launching a community petition to establish a dedicated Israel Engagement Fund.

This fund will:
• Support a full-time Director of Israel Programming
• Ensure high-quality, consistent Israel education, engagement and advocacy
• Fund meaningful community missions to Israel
• Strengthen connection, knowledge, and long-term commitment across our community

Importantly, this funding will be designated and protected. It will ensure that Israel engagement remains a strategic priority, independent of shifting internal dynamics or donor pressures.

Our goal is not to weaken our Jewish Federation but rather to strengthen it. We believe:
• A strong Federation requires clear priorities
• A strong community requires confident leadership
• And a strong Jewish future requires a deep, unapologetic connection to Israel

We invite you to stand with us.

By signing this petition, you are sending a clear message:

ISRAEL MATTERS. LEADERSHIP MATTERS. OUR FUTURE MATTERS.

We encourage you to share this with others who care deeply about the strength, integrity, and direction of our community.

Together, we can ensure that our Federation reflects the values and priorities that so many of us hold dear.

With respect and determination.