Lion and Pomegranate Women Return from a Transformative Journey to Panama
Sixty Pomegranate and Lion of Judah Women from Atlanta returned this month from a powerful and deeply meaningful journey to Panama—an experience that blended sisterhood, service, cultural learning, and the profound joy of connecting with a Jewish community rooted in centuries-old tradition.
Led by mission co-chairs Melissa Maldin, Lisa Haynor, and Susan Mannheimer, the group included seasoned leaders, first-time participants, four mother–daughter pairs, and representation from past Women’s Philanthropy Leadership and Federation’s Board. The multigenerational makeup of the group became one of the journey’s most treasured elements. As Katie Busch, Vice President of Major & Planned Giving, reflected, “Women especially do this in a unique way… we can see each other on a much more personal level when we travel and experience something Jewish together.”
Throughout the journey, participants explored the beauty and strength of Jewish life in Panama—from Ashkenazi and Sephardic synagogues to the Simhati Senior Center and the Isaac Rabin ORT School. Hearing students describe their transformative educational trips to the Anne Frank House, the March of the Living, and Israel underscored the power of global Jewish connection and the shared responsibility communities hold for one another.
A hands-on mitzvah project at the Oneg Shabbat center offered a powerful moment of collective impact. The women packed Shabbat boxes—funded by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta—with challah, canned goods, rice, and other essentials. Katie described the experience simply: “Many hands make light work. There’s something uplifting about contributing together, and knowing we were easing the burden on local volunteers was incredibly meaningful.”
For participant Adrienne Figur, the community of women made the trip special, “Sharing this journey with dedicated women from Atlanta reinforced our own community’s strength while enjoying the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Panama City.”
The journey also revealed the deeper purpose behind Federation-led travel. “Engagement begets investment,” Katie explained. “If you want people to truly understand and support our mission, they need to see it—feel it—Jewishly. Journeys are one of the most powerful ways to make that happen.”
Standing inside synagogues, senior centers, and schools thousands of miles from home, participants felt an immediate sense of belonging. “Everything we do at Federation is through a Jewish lens,” Katie noted. “Experiencing Jewish life in Panama reminded us how interconnected we really are.”
By witnessing the vibrancy and resilience of another community, Atlanta’s women deepened their understanding of Federation’s core impact area: Israel & Jews Worldwide. The Panama Journey brought this mission to life, reinforcing the importance of standing together, learning together, and doing good.
For Julie Oshins, this was her first Federation Journey. “I was blown away by the tight knit Panamanian Jewish community. It was wonderful connecting with so many women off all ages, most of whom I’d just met for the first time on this trip. I look forward to keeping up these new friendships in Atlanta.”
Mia Spolan reflects on the trip, “I was struck by how seamlessly the Jewish community weaves together its synagogues, schools, community centers, and even its kosher restaurants into a vibrant, supportive network. It not only sustains more than 15,000 Jews, but also extends meaningful support far beyond its own members. Experiencing such an authentic culture of giving and inclusivity has motivated me to infuse those values more intentionally into my own service and tzedakah.”
Looking Ahead: Solidarity Journey to Israel
Federation invites you to join the Solidarity Journey to Israel, February 1–5, 2026—a powerful opportunity to stand with our Israeli family, hear their stories firsthand, and witness resilience in a moment when connection matters more than ever. This is not a heritage trip; it is a chance to show up with presence, compassion, and strength. Don’t wait, registration closes soon. Register here.