Sugerman Award Winner, Jasmine Bonder, Attends General Assembly
May 1, 2023
3,000 Jews from across North America traveled to Israel with their Jewish Federations to celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday.
This past April, Jasmine Bonder, recipient of the 2022 Sylvia & Harry Sugerman Young Leadership Award, represented the San Antonio Jewish community in Israel at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly.
Held every year, The General Assembly is the most consequential gathering of the leadership of the North American Jewish community and brings together Jewish leaders of diverse backgrounds in a space that fosters productive dialogue and debate. This year’s event, which coincided with Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days, focused on celebrating 75 years of connection and partnership between North American Jewry and the Jewish State.
Jasmine elaborated on the powerful messages of speakers, stating, “The conference was comprised of different world leaders advocating for a continuance of dialogue and building relationships with one another. Each leader stressed the importance that the state of Israel and all allies continue to unite with the love that we have for Israel. The Chair of JFNA, Julie Platt, emphasized the importance of each Jewish community to continue to work hard to keep the Jewish community active in community service, philanthropy and maintain unity.”
Participants observed the evening of Yom Hazikaron together with thousands of Jewish youth from around the globe at a ceremony hosted by Masa in Latrun. During Yom Hazikaron Day, they took part in ceremonies to honor the fallen and engaged in a series of conversations led by Israeli educators. The conference culminated with festive celebrations in honor of Israel’s 75th birthday.
Upon her return, Jasmine reflected on this incredible experience, “Coming home from Israel, I am inspired to dedicate and grow more opportunities for young leaders to be active within the community. This inspiration will hopefully allow other emerging leaders to recognize that San Antonio has and will always have a thriving Jewish community. Thank you, Sugermen family, for this opportunity that enhanced my love for my Jewish faith and the state of Israel. Am Israel Chai!”
