A Message from Shelley Hubal, Federation Director

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 3/6/24

By Shelley Hubal

The challenges of our world today are numerous and, like many of you, I have been feeling enormous grief over the war in Israel and Gaza. As I reflect on the last few weeks, I thought it might be nice to share some interactions with community members who have brought me som…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 2/9/24

By Shelley Hubal

“Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?”

With empathy, the beloved Sesame Street character Elmo posted this question recently on the social media platform X and opened a floodgate. More than 13,000 people responded and the post was viewed more than 180 milli…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 12/29/23

By Shelley Hubal

I recently read a short article by Jacklin Kwan on the web magazine Live Science. The article details the findings of researchers studying the sprouts that Redwood trees grew after a devastating 2020 fire swept through the Big Basin Redwood State Park in California.

The t…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 12/1/23

By Shelley Hubal

“From a place of deep pain we hold strong for you, Omer. We speak in your name tirelessly, we hope and we pray and we act, and I want to believe that our prayers and actions have power. “ – Orna Neutra, mother of Omer Neutra, one of the 240 hostages held by Hamas.
“…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 10/18/23

By Shelley Hubal

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton held a Vigil for Israel last week. It was touching to see the community leaders come together with short notice and create a meaningful and healing gathering. Even more touching was the large turnout and show of support for Israel…