On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven's Women's Philanthropy's Pomegranate and Lion of Judah women kicked off the campaign year at their annual fall event. While this year's program format was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it far exceeded expectations due to phenomenal guest presenters. New Haven's pre-eminent leader Sydney Perry had the pleasure of introducing her daughter, attorney Danya Perry, formerly a Southern District of New York prosecutor and now in private practice.

Danya spoke of the need to ensure that our criminal justice system sees the humanity of the people it prosecutes. To illustrate her point, she invited a high profile client, Michael Cohen (yes, that Michael Cohen) to Zoom in and discuss his personal experience in the criminal justice system and the time he spent at Otisville prison. Women's Philanthropy President Nancy Cohen, Lion of Judah Chair Judi Hahn and Pomegranate Chair Betsy Flaherty were very pleased that so many women helped to kick off the campaign year at such an important and compelling moment in our community and our world.

Thank you so much to the speakers, volunteers and attendees for this uplifting event.

For more information and volunteer opportunities with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s Women’s Philanthropy, visit jewishnewhaven.org/womens-network. To find out more about the annual campaign and to donate, visit jewishfederationofgreaternewha.givingfuel.com/annual-campaign.