May 7, 2025

Lions of Judah on the Loose in Panama

A group of Lions of Judah from Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy recently visited Panama to explore the country’s rich Jewish history. They saw Federation dollars at work in a pluralistic Jewish day school, a newly built senior center and met with MASA alumni. The group also toured historic synagogues, an exhibit about Crypto-Jews (secret Jews forced to practice another faith) and met with local leaders. Other highlights included a Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) dinner with the Israeli ambassador and a meeting with the US ambassador to Panama, who is from Miami. No visit would be complete without visiting the Panama Canal, where they enjoyed a VIP tour and spending time in the nearby historic district. The mission was chaired by Lourdes Gabriela Suarez, a Past Women's Philanthropy who grew up there. To learn more about the Lion of Judah program, click here.