Civic Leaders Head to Israel
February 3, 2023

Next week, nearly two dozen leaders representing educational, political, spiritual, and civic sectors throughout WNY, depart for an 8-day Israel journey organized by Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and led by JCRC professionals Mara Koven-Gelman and Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, and volunteer leaders Deborah Goldman, Rene Petties-Jones, and Sister Margaret Carney (who we featured in last week’s spotlight). The experience will include a guided visit through Yad Vashem, Shabbat evening in the Old City, a conversation with Tayla Levanon, director of the Israel Trauma Coalition, and dialogue with Settlers and Palestinians who are involved with Shorashim –RToots – Judur Center.  CEO of Buffalo Jewish Federation Rob Goldberg, who along with his wife Shira will be joining the delegation for the first few days of the journey, said: “We have assembled an extraordinary group of talented civic leaders in our community who are passionate about their work and in building a caring community in Buffalo.  We are thrilled to be investing in them and enable them to learn together, engage with civic leaders from Israel, and even enjoy the hospitality of many who are engaged with our partnership region in the Western Galilee.”

Participants include Stephen Tucker, CEO of Northland Workforce Training Center, Christina Orsi, CEO of John R. Oishei Foundation, Molly Carr, CEO of the Jewish Family Services of Western New York, Assemblymember Karen McMahon,  Leah Halton-Pope, senior advisor to NYS Assembly member Crystal People-Stokes, Dr. Darren Brown-Hall, Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District, Honorable Craig D. Hannah, NYS Supreme Court Justice, Dr. Matt Frahm, Superintendent of the Clarence Central School District, Eunice A. Lewin a member of the State University of New York Board of Trustees, Rev. Todd E. Leach, head pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rabbi Adam Scheldt, Director of Spiritual Care at Hospice Buffalo, Timothy Sember VP of Mission for Trocaire College, Dr. Irwin Gelman Professor of Oncology and Director of Research Integration at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and President of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, Jillian Hanesworth the first poet laureate of Buffalo, and Thomas Kim, President/CEO of Community Action Organization.

Follow along with their journey on the Buffalo JCRC Facebook page!