Apr 17, 2012
Greater Miami Jewish Federation Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Judy Gilbert-Gould was a very young girl on May 7, 1938 when her father, Stanley C. Myers, of blessed memory, and a small group of Jewish Miamians gathered to create what would later be known as the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. On May 31, 2013, Gilbert-Gould and her son, Robert Gilbert, shared personal memories and historic insight into Federation’s many accomplishments of the past 75 years – including Myers’ leadership as founding President – as they chaired the 75th Annual Meeting of this important community institution.
Established 10 years before the creation of the State of Israel, Federation began as a grassroots effort to help Jews in need following Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass,” in which the Nazis destroyed Jewish synagogues and businesses across Eastern Europe, foreshadowing the Holocaust. Throughout the decades, Federation has been known as a stable and trustworthy philanthropic and community-building institution, cumulatively raising hundreds of millions of dollars and helping countless individuals and families through a vast network of social-service, humanitarian and educational programs at work every day in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries worldwide.
“From the very first night my dad made his commitment to serve as President, he remained an active and vibrant part of this community for the next 54 years,” said Gilbert-Gould, who also served as Director of Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council for 25 years. “Today, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Federation, I can tell you, my dad is smiling down on all of us. He would be so proud of our accomplishments.”
Gilbert-Gould’s remarks included a brief audio recording featuring the voices of Stanley Myers, Golda Meir (then Meyerson), Henry Morgenthau, Jr., and New York Governor Herbert Lehman. During a live 1948 radio broadcast, the four presenters appealed to the delegates at the Council of Federations General Assembly in Chicago, announcing that Israel needed $50 million within two months’ time to defend itself against its enemies. Click here to listen to the excerpt. (Loading time may vary.)
The Miami Herald also recognized Federation’s milestone anniversary with an editorial. Click here to read the editorial.
This year's Annual Meeting, held at the Hilton Miami Downtown, featured the installation of Federation’s Officers, Board of Directors, Trustees, Leadership Council and Council of Jewish Organizations. Board Chair Brian Bilzin reported on highlights and achievements of the past year, and also bestowed leadership awards to five deserving individuals. The Stanley C. Myers Presidents’ Leadership Award was given to Gary Mars and Tracey Spiegelman; Lisa Kudish Rosenburg received the Robert Russell Fellowship Award; and the Sandra C. Goldstein Young Leadership Award was presented to Sara Bejar and Scott Wagner.
Federation Board Chair Brian Bilzin, 75th Annual Meeting Chairs Judy Gilbert-Gould and Robert Gilbert, and President and CEO Jacob Solomon.
Click here to view photos from the 75th Annual Meeting.
Many of Federation’s accomplishments of the past year are outlined in the 2012 Report to the Community. Click here to view online.
