L-R: Lecia Sud, Julie Platt and Seth Halpern at Shalom Austin’s leadership breakfast. Credit: Shana Creeger

By Shana Creeger

On February 13, Julie Platt, Jewish Federations of North America’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, visited Austin for a meaningful day of inspiration and togetherness.

Shalom Austin leadership were invited to a breakfast where Platt joined Shalom Austin Board Chair, Seth Halpern, in a conversation about her leadership journey as well as the incredible work that JFNA is doing on the ground in Israel and in North America to address various challenges of our time – from COVID-19, to Ukraine, security and antisemitism, and the current state of the world post October 7. “Your participation in the Israel Emergency Campaign, for which you’ve raised close to $3M to date, is a sign of precisely this level of togetherness with a nation and its people who are half a world away,” Platt said. “At the same time as your beautiful community has been mobilizing for Israel, after successive, record-breaking campaigns for the last eight years — you raised more than ever this year for your annual campaign. That is so amazing.” 

Platt spent the day learning about our incredible community and meeting with invested leaders.

Her visit culminated with a Major Donor Reception, hosted by Phil and Adam Loewy, celebrating the collective impact of our generous community of Annual Campaign donors.