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LIONS OF JUDAH

CELEBRATING WOMEN, PHILANTHROPY AND CONTINUITY 

Lions of Judah, are the most dynamic, philanthropic Jewish women in the world and, comprise an international sisterhood of global activists who care deeply about our Jewish future and inspire others to help make a difference. Additionally, Lions of Judah play a vital role in aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity and continuity. Lions' generous gift of time and resources reflect their outstanding dedication to the Jewish community in Ottawa, Israel, and around the world. 

Judah, one of the sons of our patriarch Jacob, was known for taking care of his brothers, symbolizing our need for Jews to take care of other Jews. The Lion of Judah pin is a symbol of today’s Jewish woman’s strength, a symbol of her caring about the organized Jewish world and a symbol of her financial commitment of at least $5,000 to the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Annual Campaign. More than 17,000 women world-wide are Lions of Judah.

Benefits of being a Lion: 

  • Invitation to the International Lion of Judah Conference held every other year. 
  • Invitation to exclusive Lion of Judah events throughout the year . 
  • Appreciation and acknowledgement in LOJ newsletter. 
  • Recognition as role models in the community as dedicated and generous women who work to make the world a better place. 
  • Celebrated at a special appreciation event where new donors are recognized.

Your gift allows us to care for the vulnerable, educate children, feed our hungry, unite Jewish communities and transform lives.

Your support helps us strengthen our Jewish community by providing the funding that supports high-quality services and programs that meet Jewish needs and engages all members of our Jewish community.

Step Up

Join the Pride and Step Up to become a Lion of Judah. 


This is the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s program for women who aspire to be a Lion of Judah. To start your journey, make a commitment to increase your gift to the Federation’s Annual Campaign for the next two or three years (depending on your current donation level), starting with a minimum gift of $1,800 for the first year and at least $5,000 for the final year. As a Step Up Lion, you will immediately receive all the benefits of being a Lion of Judah, receive the proud Lion of Judah pin and you will also be invited to all local and national Lion of Judah events. 

For more information, please contact Yudit Simmons at ysimmons@jewishottawa.com

History of Lion of Judah 

Since 1972, when the Lion of Judah philanthropic program was established by Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland, z"l, of Miami, it has been a symbol of a woman's power to make change through her giving. More than 17,000 women around the world have embraced the Lionprogram and the concept of the individual gift. They have turned a piece of jewelry into an emblem of generosity and commitment. Thanks to them, our Jewish Federation system can meet the urgent needs of people everywhere. Lions play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity. 
 

 

Find out more about the 2025 International Lion of Judah Conference