By Reporter staff

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton will hold the kick-off of Campaign 2025 on Super Sunday, September 8, at 10 am, at the Jewish Community Center, 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal. The event will include a brunch and talk by author Joan Leegant called “Israel’s multi-culture: it’s not just the Ashkenazim and Sephardim anymore – and never was.” Attendees will have the opportunity to make their pledge for Campaign 2025 if they have not already done so. The brunch is free due to the generous support of the David and Virginia Eisenberg fund. Reservations are requested by Tuesday, September 3, and can be made by contacting the Federation at 607-724-2332 or director@jfgb.org, or by registering here.

Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation, noted that the slogan for Campaign 2025 – “This Year It’s Different” – reflects how many people in the community and the world are feeling. “This year, everyone is feeling their own version of a shift – a change – in the world,” Hubal said. “Whether it’s the war in Gaza, the increase in antisemitism, the protests on campuses or so many people in need, this year feels different. But the Jewish community has been through difficult times in the past and survived by coming together. The same will be true of the future because it’s when things get difficult that we witness people’s generosity and compassion.”

Leegant will speak about Israel as a multi-cultural nation and the process of writing about Israel as an American. “Who are Israelis today?” Leegant noted in an e-mail interview. “They’re Filipino caretakers, Thai farm workers, African refugees and asylum seekers, along with Druze, Bedouins, Russians, Arabs and Jews from across the Middle East.” She plans to discuss “who are they, how they are (or aren’t) part of Israeli life, and how they’ve been affected by October 7,” in addition to speaking about her writing. She added that the events of October 7 “have also provided a window into the diverse makeup of Israeli society, which I’m keenly interested in.” (For an interview of Leegant, see page 1.) 

People are encouraged to make their 2025 pledge at the brunch, if they have not already made it. If community members would like to make their pledge ahead of the kick-off event, they can call the Federation office at 607-724-2332. Making pledges and donations in advance of the allocation process in mid-November will help the Federation know what funds are available to be distributed and will save time for the volunteers that make Campaign calls.
The money raised during the Campaign will then be allocated to local organizations. “The Federation does many things behind the scenes to help all of our local Jewish organizations to be their best,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Jewish Federation. “When you support the Federation, you support the entire Jewish community. With your generous donations, we ensure there are quality, engaging Jewish programs for community member of all ages, support for our neighbors in need and an enduring local Jewish infrastructure.”

Hubal added,” Join us to see old friends, meet new ones and listen to what is certain to be a fascinating talk!”