More than 300 community members gathered on Wednesday, May 6, at Hilton West Palm Beach for Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s 2026 Annual Meeting to celebrate a year of growth, generosity, and meaningful impact across Jewish Palm Beach.
The event honored dedicated volunteers, donors, professionals, and corporate partners; welcomed new Board of Directors members; and recognized graduates of four Mandel Center for Leadership Development programs. Throughout the evening, one theme resonated clearly: Jewish Palm Beach is strengthened by people who lead with purpose, give generously, and show up for one another.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments was the recognition of outgoing Board Chair Barry S. Berg, whose two-year tenure helped guide Federation through a transformative period.
During his leadership, several major initiatives advanced significantly, including the elevation of the Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism & Hatred as a national model, the launch of The Palm Beach Movement to Activate Jewish Life, and the final stretch of Campaign for the Future, the boldest fundraising effort in Jewish Palm Beach history.
In the words of Federation President & CEO Michael Hoffman, “Barry was the right Board Chair at the right time.” Through steady leadership, thoughtful vision, and deep dedication, Barry has led Jewish Palm Beach toward continued strength and growth.
The Annual Meeting also marked the beginning of a new chapter with the installation of Brian M. Seymour as Federation’s new Board Chair. Brian’s commitment to Jewish Palm Beach spans more than two decades and is rooted in strong Jewish values and a deep devotion to Israel.
Known for his integrity, passion, and collaborative spirit, Brian brings a forward-looking vision that will help deepen connections and strengthen engagement across the community in the years ahead. Watch this video to hear more about Brian’s vision as Board Chair.
Additionally, the Annual Meeting honored leaders whose generosity and service continue to shape Jewish life throughout the Palm Beaches.
This year’s Hope Silverman Campaigner of the Year Award was presented to Steve Weinberg for his exceptional dedication to Federation’s Annual Campaign and his philanthropic leadership. Over the years, Steve has led donor engagement workshops, inspired friends and neighbors to give back, and helped foster a strong culture of generosity within Frenchman’s Creek, one of the most philanthropic communities in the Palm Beaches. His leadership reflects the vital role philanthropy plays in sustaining and strengthening Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Addie Zubatkin and Ilan Sinelnikov received the Robert S. and Ceil N. Levy Young Leadership Award, honoring outstanding individuals under the age of 45 for their service to our community.
As Chair of the Kohl Jewish Volunteer Center and a member of The Palm Beach Movement to Activate Jewish Life Committee, she brings people together through meaningful connection and engagement while also serving on the Mandel JCC’s Community Engagement Committee, the Women’s Philanthropy Board, and as an active member of Temple Beth Am.
Ilan is the Founder and President of Students Supporting Israel, a global grassroots movement active on over 130 university campuses worldwide, and a current recipient of a grant from Federation’s Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism & Hatred. Since launching its first chapter as a college freshman, Ilan has spent more than a decade leading student-driven efforts to support Israel, combat antisemitism, and empower students to speak up.
The evening also included the presentation of the prestigious Debbie Roshfeld Professional Leadership Award to Patrick Travers, Federation’s Director of Business Applications. This past year, Patrick played an instrumental role in a major Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) migration that brought nearly four decades of donor data into a modern system while transforming how Federation operates day to day. He built custom reports, led staff training, and approached every challenge with the kind of positivity, creativity, and determination that made this complex project feel manageable.
Patrick’s work behind the scenes allows Federation to effectively serve the community and create greater impact across Jewish Palm Beach.
From visionary leadership to grassroots engagement, the Annual Meeting served as a powerful reminder of what this community can achieve together.
Explore the photo gallery celebrating the people and partnerships that continue to strengthen Jewish Palm Beach.
