Supporting Jewish Leaders of Color

A pioneering Jewish leader of color—an educator, advocate, and changemaker—is now facing unexpected visa and financial struggles that threaten her family’s stability. After giving so much to build inclusive Jewish communities in Israel and the U.S., she now needs our support.

For more than 20 years, this remarkable educator and senior executive has broken barriers and built bridges across communities. As a child, she immigrated from Ethiopia to Israel through a harrowing refugee journey and went on to become the first in her family to attend university. From those beginnings, she rose to national leadership—guiding organizations, mentoring young people, and shaping educational programs that lift up marginalized voices.

In 2020, she and her family came to the U.S. to share their story and serve Jewish communities here. As a Jew of Color leader, she has continued to bring a vital perspective to American Jewish life, developing innovative programs that reflect the true racial and cultural diversity of the Jewish people. Her voice and vision have been a beacon for many seeking a more inclusive, just, and compassionate community.

But now, her family is facing immense hardship. The risk of losing jobs, restrictive visa rules, and financial instability have put their future in jeopardy. Even as she navigates these challenges, she continues her work—researching, teaching, and leading efforts to make Jewish spaces more equitable and welcoming.

This is a moment where our community can step in. By contributing, you help ensure stability for families like this that has given so much of themselves to building a stronger, more inclusive Jewish future. Every gift matters and helps us sustain their resilience, their work, and their hope. All contributions will go toward things like immigration legal fees and other related expenses. Please donate today.