At the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s 2026 Annual Meeting, community leaders, donors, volunteers, and partners gathered for an evening that celebrated leadership, reflected on a year of extraordinary impact, and looked ahead toward the future of Jewish Boca.

Board Chair Jill Rose opened the program by reflecting on the Jewish value of Hineini — “Here I am” — describing it not simply as presence, but as a willingness to step forward when community calls.

Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism, continued challenges facing Israel, and a rapidly evolving Jewish landscape, Rose reflected on the responsibility organizations like Federation carry to lead, connect, advocate, and strengthen Jewish life.

The program celebrated major milestones, including Federation surpassing its historic $20 million Annual Campaign goal and the continued growth of a community increasingly recognized for its leadership and engagement. But the evening was not only a reflection on what has been accomplished. It also offered a vision for what comes next, and the work still ahead to strengthen and shape Jewish life for the future.

During his State of Federation address, President & CEO Igor Alterman stepped back from traditional departmental updates to focus on a larger message: Jewish Boca is entering a defining chapter.

“South Palm Beach County is no longer simply a place with a strong Jewish community,” Alterman shared. “It is becoming one of the most significant centers of Jewish life anywhere in North America.”

That momentum, he noted, can be felt across campus and community life alike.

From nearly 2,500 community members gathering at Celebrate Israel earlier this spring to strengthened partnerships with Zichron Yaakov, the impact of Federation’s Shinshiniot, and expanded Volunteer Israel opportunities, Alterman highlighted the growing energy, connection, and engagement shaping Jewish Boca today.

He also reflected on a year marked by historic campaign success, increased community allocations, strengthened advocacy and security efforts, and continued financial discipline, including a clean audit and maintained Four-Star Charity Navigator status.

“These things are not glamorous,” Alterman shared. “But they matter. Because institutions do not become stronger by accident.”

Looking ahead, both speakers emphasized that Federation’s responsibility extends beyond sustaining what already exists.

One of the evening’s most exciting announcements came as Rose unveiled Israel@80, a first-of-its-kind joint community mission to Israel in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County to commemorate Israel’s 80th anniversary in 2028.

The mission will provide an opportunity for the broader Palm Beach County Jewish community to stand together in Israel during a historic milestone, deepening connections to one another and to the Jewish homeland.

The evening also celebrated the people whose leadership and dedication help make Jewish Boca what it is today. Arthur Goldberg received the James H. Nobil Award for Community Leadership, Michelle Merson was honored with the Endowment Achievement Award, Natan Milgrom received the Young Leadership Award, and Michelle Namm was recognized with the Professional Achievement Award.

There was also a heartfelt moment of remembrance as the community honored cherished members of the Federation family lost during the past year: Stanley Barry, Howard Halpern, and Beverly Shapiro, zichronam livracha.

Annual Meeting further marked the installation of Federation’s incoming Board and officers, recognizing the volunteers and lay leaders who continue to step forward on behalf of Jewish Boca. 

To Board Chair Jill Rose, Campaign Chair Bruce Dan, Financial Resource Development Chair David Pratt, and the many officers, committee chairs, and community leaders who give so generously of their time and leadership, thank you for helping shape the future of Jewish Boca.

Throughout the evening, one message remained clear: Jewish Boca’s strength comes not from any one program or initiative, but from the people who show up, lead, give, and invest in this community year after year.

As Alterman concluded, Jewish Boca continues to emerge as “the beating heart of Jewish life in South Palm Beach County,” grounded in the belief that its best days are still ahead.

Watch the complete Annual Meeting remarks from Board Chair Jill Rose and President & CEO Igor Alterman below.