
Each year, I choose a word that reflects my goals, both personally and professionally. Light is my guiding word in 2025. For me, 2024 was heavy—so my intention this year is to focus on light, a single word that encourages me to approach life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity, to find hope in uncertainty.
This past week, I have been closely following the news of the Los Angeles wildfires and the ceasefire agreement. On Wednesday, we received the long-awaited news of a ceasefire and hostage deal in Israel. Per Israeli law, the agreement must first be presented to the security cabinet, which is expected to vote today (Friday), with additional steps to follow in the coming days. If all goes as planned, the ceasefire could take effect as early as Sunday or Monday. While this development offers a glimmer of hope, the situation remains fragile. Yesterday, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) shared an update on the deal and hosted a briefing on its implications. Watch the recording here.
If the agreement is ratified, our partner agency, JDC, is ready to step up and support hostage families as negotiations continue. Psychologists have been assigned to each family, and JDC is preparing to call all 98 families weekly, delivering updates that may bring the joy of reunion, the heartbreak of loss, or the agony of waiting.
Meanwhile, ten of our Lions—women who give $5,000 or more annually—returned this week from Atlanta, where they joined over 2,000 women at the Lion of Judah Conference honoring leadership and philanthropy. This year’s theme, Proud to Be: proud to be a Jew, proud to be an activist, proud to be a Zionist, captured the power of women united in purpose.
At the conference, Samantha Ettus—self-described “accidental activist” and bestselling author—shared a deeply personal message just days after losing her home in the LA wildfires. With borrowed luggage and a donated outfit, she reminded us: "No fire can prevent us from having a place to call home." Her words underscore the ability of community to rise above challenges. Watch Samantha’s speech here.
Participants also heard from hostage families and leaders like Amos Hochstein, Senior Advisor to the President, who helped broker the 2024 Israel-Lebanon deal and recently led negotiations for this week’s Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Watch his remarks here. Despite the somber tone of the conference, women across North America raised over $34 million—an inspiring testament to collective action.
Cincinnati’s own Rini Levy was honored with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for her extraordinary leadership and philanthropy. Lay leadership is the secret sauce of our success, and leaders like Rini inspire others to step forward, ensuring the vibrancy and strength of our community. Explore the full list of honorees here.
"You are not alone." These words, spoken by Doron Almog, Chairman of our partner agency, The Jewish Agency for Israel, to the CEO of the Los Angeles Federation, remind us of the light—what we can achieve together. I invite you to reflect on how you can bring light into our community—through your presence, leadership, or support.
Shabbat Shalom,
Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Your Support Matters: jewishcincinnati.org/give
PS: These stories of light, hope, and community remind us of the power of social ties. Join me at the Impact Breakfast on Wednesday, January 22, at 8:00 a.m. RSVP here as we explore how Jewish connection strengthens us and helps us, especially in the face of challenges. I hope to see you there.