Israel@60 Mission takes off today!

Participants of the Federation’s Israel@60 Mission depart today from San Francisco, and should arrive in Tel Aviv tomorrow in time to honor Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). This trip, which is produced by the Federation’s Business Leadership Council and Israel Center, has recently received a lot of press coverage as evidenced by the articles below.

• S.F. Mayor Newsom off to Israel, New York City
  From the San Francisco Chronicle
• EDITORIAL: Nothing fosters solidarity like a mission to Israel
  From the j.
• Business focus of Newsom’s trip to Israel
  From the Examiner

In a day or two, we should start receiving the first photos and stories from the participants, which will be posted here. Until then, check out the Israel@60 Mission website for their itineraries, bios, and other information.

Mayor Newsom heading to Israel with Federation’s Mission

Next week, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will join the Jewish Community Federation’s (JCF) trip to Israel. While in Israel, Newsom will participate in a clean-tech showcase, promoting Israel’s innovative activities and industrial approach to alternative energy and bio-fuels. Additionally, he will be the first San Francisco Mayor to visit San Francisco’s city’s sister city, Haifa, and will meet with Haifa Mayor Yonah Yahav. He will also visit Umm el-Fahm, an Arab-Israeli town that is one of the sites for Echad – a Jewish Community Federation funded program focused on early childhood education in the Arab Israeli community.

To learn more, please read:

• Mayor Gavin Newsom to Join Jewish Community Federation’s Mission to Israel
  - Press release
• Newsom joins mission to Israel
  - From the j.

BTW… Mission participants will be sending in stories, photos, and videos throughout their trip, so please check back in with this blog in early May for updates.

Two new articles on our new CEO

• Federation’s new CEO: Progressive Jewish Alliance director assumes post July 15
  - from the j.
• S.F. Federation Puts Liberal Social Activist at the Helm
  - from Forward

More articles on Daniel Sokatch available here.

Photo taken by Chelsea Hadley.

Lurie to lead fund-raising for Warsaw museum

Rabbi Brian Lurie, former CEO of the JCF, has been appointed chairman of international development for The Museum of the History of Polish Jews. The museum is expected to open in Warsaw in 2011.

Idan Raichel Project to headline Israel in the Gardens

On June 1, 2008, the Idan Raichel Project will headline Israel in the Gardens! Their past Bay Area concerts have garnered sold-out crowds. Come enjoy their FREE concert with us!

The Idan Raichel Project burst onto the Israeli music scene in 2002, changing the face of Israeli popular music and offering a message of love and tolerance that resonated strongly in a region of the world where the headlines are too often dominated by conflict. With an enchanting blend of Ethiopian and Middle Eastern flavors coupled with sophisticated production techniques and a spectacular live show, the Idan Raichel Project has become one of the most unexpected success stories in Israeli music today.

Lisa Gurwitch named new JCEF executive director

As reported by the SF Chronicle, “Lisa Gurwitch was promoted to executive director of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco. She had been director of gift planning.”

To learn more, please read:
- The JCF Press release

JCF at Warriors’ Jewish Heritage Night

On March 30, 2008, the JCF staff headed to Oakland for Jewish Heritage Night at the Oracle Arena. We cheered on the Golden State Warriors as they defeated the Dallas Mavericks.

Check out our photos from the night:
http://sfjcf.smugmug.com/gallery/4699749_CJ24P

Photos taken by Joy Powers

Power of One a Success!

On Tuesday, April 8, 2008, the Women’s Alliance of the JCF held their annual Power of One gala. The Women’s Alliance would like to thank Keynote Speaker Dear Abby, Judith Chapman Award Recipient Joelle Steefel, Event Chair Sophie Ross, all the table sponsors, table captains, corporate sponsors and most of all all the 700+ attendees who made the Power of One 2008 an evening to remember.

Check out the photo galleries from:

• Power of One 2008
• Power of One 2008 - Exclusive Ruby Lion Reception

Seeking nominations for the 2008 Awards of Excellence

The 17th annual Awards of Excellence salute the very best programs and people working to enhance Jewish life in our community. Your recommendations are very important and make this recognition possible. The Federation is currently seeking nominations for:

• Volunteer of the Year
• Agency Staff Person of the Year
• Federation Staff Person of the Year
• Program of the Year

Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, April 25, 2008.

The Awards will be presented at the Federation’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at the Jewish Community Center in San Francisco.

Daniel Sokatch Named JCF CEO

On July 15, 2008, Daniel J. Sokatch will begin overseeing the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties staff of 105 and its four satellite offices in his new role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation.

To learn more, please read:

• Daniel Sokatch Named CEO of Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
  - Press release
  
• PJA head Sokatch leaving to helm S.F. Federation
  - from the Jewish Journal
• S.F. Federation names Dine’s successor
  - from the JTA