one world. one family. - Jewish Federation of San Diego County

Message from the CEO & Board Chair
Michael S. Rassler
CEO
Kenneth D. Polin
Board Chair
This past year tested the resilience and spirit of the Jewish people worldwide with the tragic war in Israel during the
summer of 2006. We watched with horror at the devastation wrought on northern Israel, as well as in our partnership
community, Sha’ar Hanegev, located in the north-western Negev, adjacent to Gaza. Our reaction was swift and our
spirits were raised to new heights by the incredible response of our local community, as thousands of us stood with
Israel and raised over $4.8 million during the first few months of the war for the Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC),
led by Claire Ellman and Andrew Viterbi.
Many members of our Jewish community had the distinct pleasure of personally visiting Israel and Sha’ar Hanegev to
see first hand where and how our IEC dollars have been spent. Because of our Federation’s existing infrastructure, we
were able to respond immediately as a community, and 100% of the funds raised were used for those most impacted.
Thanks to you and the Federation, thousands of children and elderly were kept out of harms way during the war,
critical emergency services were and continue to be provided, and construction is under way in an effort to rebuild the
devastated communities and make them safer places to live and work.
Federation also takes its responsibility for our local community very seriously and we continue to work collaboratively
with our community’s agencies and day schools to provide ongoing support, helping them to grow and flourish.
Additionally, we work very closely with our area synagogues providing educational workshops to enhance their
recruitment, engagement and retention efforts. UJF was honored to have been selected this year by the Union of
Reform Judaism as the inaugural recipient of their National Shutafim (Partners) Award, recognizing our Federation as
having the best synagogue relations amongst all communities our size.
In April 2007, the UJF Board unanimously approved the recommendations of the Governance Task Force, chaired by
Murray Galinson. The new Board consists of 24 members and is focused on ensuring our Federation is meeting the
changing needs of our community, Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.
Of course, all of these activities would not be possible without your generous support, and our Federation’s focus on
Total Jewish Giving. Hundreds of volunteers showed their interest in UJF this year by helping with Super Sunday and
thousands participated in the General Campaign, Women’s Division, Young Adult Division (YAD) and the Major Gifts
events, as well through many supplemental giving programs; we thank each of you for your time and interest. UJF is
appreciative of your efforts and looks forward to working with you in the months and years to come.
We are honored to be part of such a vibrant Jewish community and look forward to a fruitful year in 2008.
United Jewish Federation | Annual Report 2007 3