Thank You, Mr. President

Michael,

It’s hard to believe it’s been four years.

I still remember meeting you for the first time at your house, when you were hosting a board meeting. Neither of us could have known then what the next four years would bring or that somewhere along the way, a professional relationship would turn into a real friendship between our families.

Since then, there have been countless meetings and events, many hours on the phone just catching up, plenty of conversations about Jewish National Fund-USA, Israel, our community, and life, and most meaningfully, the opportunity to share family simchas and milestones together. I’ve also been to your house for a brit milah or two, so it’s safe to say that home has become a pretty meaningful place in our friendship.

I think back to that first conference we went to in Boston, Massachusetts, four years ago. It was basically you, your wife Lori, and me representing Orlando.

Looking at what we have today and how much this community has grown is pretty remarkable. You believed in what we could build here, and you put in the time, energy, and leadership to help make it happen.

But what I appreciate most about you goes well beyond your title as president.

You are a true believer in Israel and the Jewish people. You lead because you care. You show up. You ask the hard questions. You push us to do more. And through some of the most difficult years Israel and the Jewish people have faced, your commitment has never wavered.

On a personal level, I’m even more grateful for the friendship that has come from these four years. You and Lori have become true family friends. My family loves you both, and being welcomed into your lives, from the everyday moments to simchas, is something that means a great deal to me.

So as your time as president comes to an end, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for your leadership, for believing in Orlando, for believing in me, and for the countless hours you have given to this organization and to Israel.

Four years ago, I met the new President of our Orlando Board of Directors at a meeting in his home. Four years later, I’m grateful to be able to call him one of my great friends.

I love you, brother. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and I know we’re nowhere near finished.

Harrison Shames, Director of JNF-USA Orlando