Donna Moser, a Lion of Judah member for 23 years, will be honored with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award at the 2022 International Lion of Judah Conference, December 11-13, in Phoenix.
The award commemorates the contributions of the founders of the Lion of Judah, Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland (of blessed memory), by honoring women of valor in each community.
“I am humbled to receive the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award having become a Lion of Judah in Milwaukee in 1999 (and proudly wearing my pin since),” said Moser.
“After attending business meetings in Tucson, Arizona, my husband and I fell in love with the desert and subsequently bought a ‘getaway’ home in the 90’s to escape the brutal Wisconsin winters. We did not know a soul in Tucson, so we joined a synagogue, Skyline Country Club for tennis, golf, and friendships, and I got involved in our Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. Many remaining and past Federation staff believed in me, guided me, and helped me hone my leadership skills as I held numerous chairwomanships over a 10-year period.”
“We stand together with Israel and in supporting Jews throughout the world. Challenging times test our commitment, but because of our Lions and all the other donors and volunteers, we are prepared to face these challenges head on. Through dedication and good leadership, we can bring about change.”
Among other qualifications, award winners must have been a Lion of Judah for at least 10 continuous years, taken on a leadership role within the Annual Campaign, created a Lion of Judah Endowment, made a significant impact on the Jewish community locally or abroad, encouraged other women to get involved, and embody the spirit and vision of Lion of Judah through a commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam.
“I am thrilled that Donna is receiving this well-deserved special recognition,” said Emily Richman, Interim CEO at Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA). “Donna has made a lasting impact on our community with her time and her treasure. She has committed myriad resources to supporting and leading this community and this award is one way to recognize that incredible commitment.”
Created in 1972, the Lion of Judah program has brought together women of all ages and from many walks of life in order to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity, and building Jewish identity. Lions of Judah make a minimum gift of $5,000 to JPSA’s (formerly Jewish Federation’s) Annual Campaign. Special programming is held locally and nationally for this committed group of donors.
For more information on the Lion of Judah program, contact Andrew Gale at agale@jparizona.org or 520-647-8450.
