By Reporter staff

At the June 17 Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton’s annual meeting, the Board of Directors considered a recommendation of its Endowment Committee and voted to give grants to Beth David Synagogue, Temple Concord, Temple Israel, Chabad Center, Hillel Academy, the Jewish Community Center and The Reporter to assist them in meeting their budgets. The Reporter will receive $10,000, while the other organizations will each receive $25,000.
“The Federation’s mission is, in part, to support local Jewish organizations,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation. “I want to extend my gratitude to the Endowment Committee and the Federation board for their generosity. It will have a meaningful impact on our local organizations.”
“The motion came about when the Endowment Committee of the Jewish Federation was meeting to reinvest funds that were coming due from a series of investment bonds,” noted Dr. Mark Walker, Federation vice president and Endowment Committee member. “The idea to invest those funds in our community, at this time, was based on the knowledge that our local organizations are struggling, and coincides with a strong stock market and therefore a strong endowment fund balance. 
“All of the recipient organizations have expressed their gratitude for the extra help. I believe the investment back into our community will touch every member of that community,” Walker continued. “As we begin the new Jewish Federation Campaign we are hopeful the each of us will generously give so that we can sustain our Federation and keep our Jewish community strong, successful and vibrant for future generations.”
“We are extremely grateful to the Federation Endowment Committee and the Executive Board for their allotment of these gifts to area synagogues and organizations. Speaking for Chabad, I can say that between our expansion – we have grown exponentially over the last five years – and inflation, this gift is profoundly appreciated. The cohesion of our Jewish community has always been a defining feature of Binghamton; it is not a gift we take for granted,” commented Rabbi Aaron Slonim. “Never has it been more urgent for us to pour our resources into bolstering our Jewish youth through community, education and inspiration. This is a wonderful investment on the part of the Federation that will reap great dividends.”
“I am so very grateful for the Federation Board of Directors and its Endowment Committee’s support for The Reporter,” said Diana Sochor, Reporter executive editor. “This generous gift will enable us to continue providing the community with a one-stop place to discover what is happening in Jewish Binghamton, Ithaca and the surrounding communities, along with the book reviews, sports columns and more that our readers enjoy.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Jewish Federation for its generous support and partnership,” said Sheryl Brumer, JCC executive director.” Your commitment to strengthening our Jewish community makes our work possible, and allows us to serve those who rely on our programs and services. Thank you for investing in our mission and helping us make a meaningful difference.”
“As the only Jewish day school serving the greater Binghamton area, we are so grateful to the Federation for this generous grant, an investment in the future of our Jewish community,” the Hillel Academy Board of Trustees stated. “It shows that in our small community, when one organization prospers, we all prosper. Thank you to all the community members and donors, past and present, who made this possible!”
“We here at Temple Concord are tremendously moved by the Federation’s generous grant to us and to our sister congregations in the area,” said Rabbi Leiah Moser. “It is a concrete sign, if one were needed, of the bonds of solidarity and mutual support which bind this Jewish community together to a degree that is remarkable in this day and age.”
“I am so pleased that the Federation is able to support our community’s organizations and that these grants will help them move forward,” said Suzanne Holwitt, president of the Federation. “The community’s support of our Campaign has been so valuable; we hope that this will continue as we strive to have a vibrant Jewish community in Broome County.”