At Jewish Family Service we are dedicated to meeting the emerging needs of our community. Since October 7, we’ve observed a growing demand within the local Israeli community for assistance and resources. In response, we’ve launched Israeli Community Services—a specialized program designed to address the current challenges of the local Israeli community by offering essential support.
Learn more about Israeli Community Services in our last blog post!
We are thrilled to introduce Sigal Bujman, our new Israeli Community Services Resource Coordinator. We spoke with Sigal to discuss the changing needs within the community since October 7, her aspirations in her new role, the importance of Jewish unity, and more. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Sigal as she embarks on this meaningful journey with JFS!
What brought you to JFS? Can you share a little about your professional experience?
After October 7, I was actively seeking ways to contribute, driven by a burning desire to make a difference, like many others. Our lives have undergone significant changes due to the war impacting all of us, and the community’s needs have surged.
Now is a time to draw closer to the Jewish community, unite, mourn together, rise, and stand as a cohesive group with shared experiences. While I initially knew little about JFS, upon realizing the organization’s depth of contribution and community involvement, especially its embrace of the Israeli Community Service program, I felt honored to be a part of it.
I was born on a Kibbutz in Israel, my background is documentary filmmaking, including a travel series for Discovery Channel, feature docs for National Geographic, and PBS. My latest film, showcased globally in film festivals, focused on a Holocaust survivor.
Can you tell us about the new Israeli Community Services program at JFS?
The program aims to serve the local Israeli community, addressing their evolving needs and acting as a bridge between the Israeli and Jewish communities. While many wonderful initiatives, activities, and support already exist within the Israeli community, our program offers additional services, such as financial aid, food assistance, and other resources. Given the ongoing conflict in Israel, we’ve been assisting displaced families arriving in our region and providing professional referrals based on specific needs. We also collaborate closely with various Jewish organizations to address antisemitism.
What will your new role as Israeli Community Services Resource Coordinator involve?
As the Israeli Community Services Resource Coordinator, my primary responsibility will be to listen to the needs of the local Israeli community and offer assistance accordingly. I’ll provide support and referrals for essential services like food access, financial aid, and community integration.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
My main objective is to extend help, emphasizing the importance of communication and trust. I hope more people become aware of our services and reach out. Personally, I am deeply committed to combating antisemitism and will utilize my capacity to contribute. It is my inherited responsibility.
During this time of uncertainty since October 7, what do you think is the most important lesson we can take from our Jewish values?
Unity. Being together is the biggest comfort and leads to remarkable results, as demonstrated by the incredible volunteer spirit in Israel and mirrored here. In the face of devastation, the only way forward is to act collectively, as we are weak when separated but powerful when united.
What brings you joy in your life?
It’s a cliché, but my family, gatherings with friends, and working with people who care. Additionally, the series “Lessons in Chemistry” has brought me joy lately.
If you have any questions, need assistance, or have a referral or resource to share, please contact Sigal Bujman, at sbujman@jfsseattle.org or call (206) 726-3145.
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