UJA-Federation of New York Appoints Michael Kay as New CEO Amid Community Challenges
The UJA-Federation of New York, the largest Jewish federation in the United States, has appointed Michael Kay as its new CEO. Kay, who has a long history in Jewish education, will succeed Eric Goldstein, who has led the organization for 12 years. Goldstein's tenure included navigating the community through significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising antisemitism. Kay, currently the head of The Leffell School, will assume his new role on October 5. His appointment comes at a time when the Jewish community in New York is facing internal divisions and external pressures, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Kay has expressed a commitment to working with local officials to ensure the community's needs are met, emphasizing the importance of Jewish education and day school affordability.