Jewish Federation Celebrates 120 Years

More than 300 community members gathered June 4 at The Temple as Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta marked its 120th Annual Meeting, celebrating a year of record fundraising, honoring outstanding leaders, and looking ahead.

Board Chair Debbie Kuniansky opened by reflecting on the significance of this milestone anniversary. “To serve in this role during our 120th anniversary is both humbling and profoundly inspiring. For 120 years, Federation has stood at the center of Jewish life, raising critical resources, responding in moments of crisis, and helping shape a stronger Jewish future in Atlanta, in Israel, and around the world.”

Next up were performances of Hatikvah and the National Anthem by Josh Meisel, a fifth grader, and Weber School alumna Stella Galanti. Rabbi Peter Berg, Senior Rabbi at The Temple, delivered a D’var Torah.

“The first week of June, Federation hit this year’s campaign goal of $27.5 million,” Kuniansky announced. “Your generosity reflects your deep commitment to the Jewish people.”

She recognized Silver Circle Society donors, whose commitment to the annual campaign spans 25-plus years, and honored Michael Kogon, Ted Blum, and Avery Kastin for their contributions to campaign growth, foundation development, and community planning.

“We know that Jewish education, Jewish camping, and trips to Israel are among the most powerful builders of Jewish identity,” she added, “yet for too many families, they remain out of reach.”

Federation President and CEO Renee Kutner highlighted the organization’s accomplishments during a year marked by global uncertainty, rising antisemitism, and continued concern for Israel.

“Tonight, as we celebrate Federation’s 120th anniversary, I find myself holding two truths at once: pride in how far we’ve come, and clarity about how much this moment asks of us as a Jewish community.”

She noted Federation’s investments in community security, support services, Jewish education, and Israel engagement and highlighted the launch of Federation’s new Antisemitism Response Network and the hiring of its first director.

“Because responding to antisemitism today requires more than outrage,” Kutner said, “it requires coordination, expertise, partnership, and sustained communal leadership.”

The evening featured presentations of multiple community awards recognizing emerging leaders, Jewish professionals, educators, and volunteers.

“Winning this award is really special, because it’s an acknowledgement that I’m doing the work that I’m being tasked to do in a way that’s actually making an impact on people that I probably don’t know and will never meet,” said Jenn Handel, Federation’s director of Israel engagement, and recipient of the Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award. “There is no Jew-ish, you are Jewish. Period. The authentic Judaism that I hope to help people find for themselves makes me feel like I wish I had that when I was growing up. One of the most powerful things that I get to do is watch interactions between Jewish Atlantans and Israelis, seeing the impact of my work.”

Federation leaders also formally installed the Fiscal Year 2027 Board of Trustees slate. Immediate Past Board Chair Beth Arogeti led the election process, thanking outgoing board members and welcoming new officers and trustees.

“We present a slate of inspired and qualified leaders,” Arogeti said. “Each nominee brings a unique skill set and point of view, amplified by a deep commitment to the Jewish people and our incredible Atlanta Jewish community.”

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime of Achievement Award to longtime community leader Linda Selig. The tribute included remarks from her children, Stacey Fisher and Michael Shenk, plus a special introduction by Steve Selig. Shenk and Fisher alternated a “Dayenu” (“that alone would be enough”) theme detailing Linda’s many personal wins and professional dimensions. Those included presidency of The Epstein School PTA, her dominant role in The White Rose Society, serving on the Federation board, working at The Ritz, Anti-Defamation League, and Apparel Mart, running a dance studio, and being “Uma” to all the grandkids.

Speakers emphasized Federation’s role in helping build a thriving Jewish future. “Jewish Atlanta is at an inflection point,” Kuniansky said. “We have the resources, the talent, and the commitment to become the most vibrant Jewish community in the country.”

Kutner echoed that vision, emphasizing that growth and accessibility must remain central priorities. “The future of Jewish Atlanta cannot simply be preserved. It must be built intentionally.”