Jewish Federation of Orange County raises $119,000 for regional, international causes

Middletown — On Sunday, Oct. 30, 60 people in the Jewish community came together to honor Sheila Orstein and Joan and Michael Gittlesohn at the home of Harriet and Dr. Gunther Goldsmith in Middletown. Orstein and the Gittlesohns were recognized for their support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County. Guest speaker Dr. William Recant, assistant executive vice president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Community, addressed those in attendance. Recant coordinates projects relating to the rescue, relief and renewal of Jewish communities worldwide. “Even during such terrible financial times, those committed to the Federation and its programs dug even deeper into their hearts to give more than ever before,” the federation said in the press release announcing the event. “Because of such benevolence from donors, the Jewish Federation will continue to be able to support the needs of the community; in essence, community supporting community. " The event raised $119,000. Since 1977, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County has been working together with community members to build and support a strong Jewish community. Each year organizations in Orange County who are subsidized by federation funding, help tens of thousands of people here at home. As part of the Jewish Federation of North America, the group also support hundreds of thousands more with humanitarian initiatives around the world. For additional information, visit www.jewishorangeny.org.