Kicking off the 2012 International Lion of Judah Conference

San Diego's Lions at Dinner in NYC

Today, a record 1,700 Lions of Judah philanthropists are convening in New York City to kick off the 2012 International Lion of Judah Conference (ILOJC) at the Times Square Marriott Marquis Hotel. The three-day Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) conference, coincides with the Lion of Judah’s 40th anniversary and is the first-ever ILOJC in New York City. Eleven Lion of Judah philanthropists from San Diego are in attendance sharing their pride and passion for the Jewish community, and inspiring and energizing one another continue to make an impact in the global Jewish community.” 

Featured speakers include Cory A. Booker, mayor of Newark, N.J.; Nancy Lublin, CEO of DoSomething.org and founder of Dress for Success; Larry A. Silverstein, president and CEO of Silverstein Properties, Inc., which is developing the World Trade Center site; and Dr. Einat Wilf, a member of Israel’s Knesset.

Sessions will address critical issues affecting the Jewish community and women’s philanthropy, including five specific themes including Body, Mind and Spirit; Business, Women and Charity; Family and Generational Philanthropy; Israel and Overseas; and Women’s Leadership.

The conference brings together Lions of Judah worldwide who are involved in the highest echelons of leadership and philanthropy in Jewish communities. The Lions are a diverse group of women philanthropists giving $5,000 or more to our Federation.

This year’s conference will also feature Norma Kipnis-Wilson, co-founder of the Lion of Judah, as a speaker. Kipnis-Wilson will take part in an awards presentation honoring winners of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Awards – named after Kipnis-Wilson and Lion co-founder Toby Friedland, z"l – which recognize extraordinary women who have set a high standard for philanthropy and volunteerism. San Diegan Terri Bignell will be bestowed this honor on Wednesday evening.

Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Recipient
Terri Bignell

To commemorate the 11th anniversary of 9/11, participants will join a National Day of Service during the ILOJC, doing all sorts of projects ranging assembling care packages for people in need, creating emergency preparedness kits, literacy kits, food packages, shelter packages and job-skills tutorials.

Gail Norry, chair of National Women’s Philanthropy expressed her enthusiasm about the history-making event. “I know it will be incredible to stand in a room with 1,700 women who are among the most caring, committed Jewish leaders in the world,” she said, “and feel the excitement and inspiration, knowing that together we can change the world.”