One of the most powerful and meaningful programs the Federation hosts each year is Yom HaZikaron, the day we remember Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This year, Yom HaZikaron coincides with NFL Draft Week, and we have been asked not to hold large-scale programs during that time due to the significant demands already placed on local law enforcement. I know you will agree that our local police have been—and continue to be—strong allies of the Jewish community, and the priority is a safe and successful draft that positively showcases our city.

As a result, this year’s Yom HaZikaron program will be held virtually. I hope the ease of participating from home will encourage you to make time to join us for this meaningful ceremony on Monday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m. You will need to register in advance at our Yom HaZikaron webpage. The following week, we will mark Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, on Wednesday, April 29, at the JCC. This will be fun, family-friendly afternoon activities and an evening concert featuring the Israeli band Project Heroes.

These programs are deeply mission-focused. As our mission statement affirms, we cultivate resources, connect people and collaborate across the community to live and fulfill Jewish values. There are many other ways we bring our community together—from Tikkun Leil Shavuot, our night of study in May, to our Corazones Unidos Mission to Mexico City, taking place October 11–16, 2026, where we will connect with another Jewish community around the world.

I was recently reminded of the power of global connection while watching Artemis II blast off from Earth, traveling farther than any human mission before safely returning home. It struck me that although more than 16 million Jews are scattered across the globe, we remain deeply connected—through memory, shared values and our responsibility to one another. Whether we gather in person or virtually, locally or across continents, these moments bind us together as one people. I hope you will join us in marking these meaningful occasions and continuing to strengthen the connections that sustain our community, here at home and around the world.

Shabbat Shalom.