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Executive Director's Message: June 2004

by Brian David Goldberg, PhD
Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

An experience that can change your life

As I was driving to work the other day, I heard a tease for a news story about two Israeli brothers involved in a phone calling scheme. I thought to myself, not exactly the positive portrayal of Israel I would like, but certainly far better than news of another terrorist attack.

In a perfect world, we would hear about the vibrant life and advances stemming from the Middle East’s only true democracy. Instead, we are bombarded with negative stories of violence. Sadly, this not only sways public opinion of Israel, but it keeps many parents from sending children to our homeland.

This brings me to the point of this column: the importance of teens visiting Israel. Only four children in our community have enrolled in trips to Israel this summer. No one has taken advantage of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s scholarship money for the combined Federation trip!

Not too long ago we would have over 40 kids participating in various Israel teen summer programs. Our sister federated communities have over 40 teens participating in the joint Federation Bay Area Teen Israel trip. Other teens up and down the Peninsula are going to Israel with other trips.

Is this community less pro-Israel then the East Bay or San Francisco? I believe the answer is no. So what can explain this lack of participation in Israel teen trips from our community? After debating this for a few days, I decided that we have failed as a community to push Israel teen programs and make this a priority in our community. So I choose to write this open letter to the community and share the profound role Israel played in my own Jewish development and to remind the community that the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley has scholarship money available to support trips to Israel.

If I had to point to one event or activity that shaped who I am today, it was my participation in the World Zionist Organization’s American Class at Kfar Blum, Israel. I grew up in a family that was very involved in our synagogue and JCC, I participated in two Jewish youth groups, attended Jewish summer camps, was bar mitzvahed and attended Hebrew High school. While all this was important to my spiritual and religious growth, nothing compared to the experience of living and being in Israel.

My 10th grade year spent in Israel was the defining moment for my connection and love for the Jewish people; it was because of that experience that I chose to become a Jewish professional. That experience provides the passion and motivation for serving our community. I am forever linked with the people and land of Israel and I will be forever grateful to the generous donors and supporters who make that experience possible.

Now it is my turn to give something back and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to create their own memories and connections to the people and land of Israel. To learn more about the Federation-sponsored Israel teen program log onto to our web site, www.jewishsiliconvalley.org or contact Dottie Miller 358-3033 x44.

To reach Brian David Goldberg call (408) 358-3033 x34 or email bgoldberg@jewishsiliconvalley.org.

Mission statement

The Mission of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley is to raise and to allocate funds needed to maintain and strengthen Jewish identity, Jewish community and Jewish life, and to work toward meeting the needs and concerns of the Jewish community locally, in the United States, in Israel and throughout the Diaspora and to develop leadership. More

Our staff page includes phone numbers and email links to all staff people, and executive committee board members. Go.

Executive Director's Message

President's Message

A letter to the community from Brett "Mad Dog" Borah, President of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

About the Executive Director

Learn about the background of Brian David Goldberg, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. More.

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