Good Morning. We hope the community had a relaxing and enjoyable Independence Day holiday.

Jewish Federation of Delaware welcomes Julie James, Young Leadership Division and Outreach Director, to the professional staff. Julie is a recent graduate of the University of Delaware and held leadership positions at Hillel. In addition to Young Leadership and Outreach responsibilities, Julie is also managing the Emerging Leadership Project, The PJ Library and Shalom Baby programs.

Earlier this week, Federation confirmed it is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant, the highest level an organization can achieve through GuideStar, the leading source of nonprofit information. It is another tangible example of our commitment to transparency. In addition to GuideStar, Federation received a 2013 Top-Rated Award through Great Nonprofits and recognized as a Three-Star Charity on Charity Navigator.

Senator Chris Coons at the Lebanon border. July 2013.

We welcome home Senator Chris Coons who spent the earlier part of the week in Israel, engaged in inspiring meetings with inventors and entrepreneurs to informative briefings on regional security issues. In his daily emails, he cited how positive, joyful and innovative Israel is, even while surrounded by hostile neighbors and political challengesl. Although in Israel for only four days, the Senator and his wife Annie felt they had learned lessons that will last a lifetime.

Our community also wishes Governor Markell and economic development director, Alan Levin, a safe and successful journey as they departed for Israel on Thursday. They will be meeting with business and government leaders with the intent of boosting jobs and the number of foreign businesses registered in Delaware.