To the editor:
You would never know from Laura Goldman's June 6th column that United Jewish Communities (UJC) sends Israel hundreds of millions of dollars each year to fund critical human services, raised an additional $350 million in emergency funds during last summer's war, helps fund the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Jewish community relations councils that advocate tirelessly for pro-Israel American policies, and bolsters Israel's economy by bringing more than 8,000 American Jews each year on missions.
The magnitude of support that UJC and the federation system provide Israel is enhanced by the effective work of our investment committee, which makes decisions intended to maximize asset allocation and investment returns, so that even more funds will be available for the system's charitable purposes.
It is critical to remember that even though we raise sums of money that make the federations one of America's largest philanthropies, we are first and foremost a charity.
We are always looking for new ways to strengthen the relationship between the American Jewish community and Israel. In fact, federation professionals regularly discuss ways to best leverage investments with industry and finance officials in America and in Israel.
UJC remains proud of our contributions and commitment to building a strong Israel and a strong Israeli economy. No organization in the history of the modern State of Israel has delivered more financial support, and we remain committed to continuing this legacy.
Howard M. Rieger,
President and Chief Executive Officer
United Jewish Communities
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on June 13, 2007
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2007