On the evening of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Harmonie Club in Manhattan hosted a vibrant and emotionally resonant gathering for UJA-Federation of New York’s Annual FSU Signature Event. This year, UJA-FSU proudly honored two remarkable individuals: Boris Segalis, a trailblazer in privacy and cybersecurity law, and Tessa Veksler, a dynamic young activist and recent college graduate recognized for her tireless advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people.
The room was filled with supporters, community leaders, and philanthropists, all united in celebration of Jewish resilience, pride, and the vital mission of UJA. Jonathan Levin, co-chair of UJA-FSU, opened the evening with heartfelt reflections, calling the event both a gala and a family reunion. A powerful UJA video highlighted the organization’s extensive efforts in the wake of the October 7 terror attacks in Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitism worldwide, including an incident at a peaceful gathering for hostages in Colorado.
Jonathan emphasized UJA’s role in meeting this critical moment—standing with Israel, fighting antisemitism on campuses, and supporting vulnerable New Yorkers. He shared the organization’s latest initiatives: the appointment of a campus security director to oversee safety at 25 universities, the creation of a real-time campus security app for Jewish students, legal aid for those facing discrimination, and increased support for Hillels, which have become sanctuaries for Jewish life on campus.
Beyond campus efforts, UJA continues its essential daily work—addressing poverty, mental health, food insecurity, and supporting Holocaust survivors, many of whom are Russian-speaking. “Our resilience is a legacy,” Jonathan concluded, “and our commitment is our future.”
Tessa Veksler: A Voice for Her Generation
Edward Mermelstein, New York City Commissioner for International Affairs, introduced Tessa Veksler as the 2025 recipient of the L’Dor V’Dor NextGen Award. He praised her leadership in creating a home for Russian-speaking Jews in New York and her national advocacy, including appearances at the White House and a prestigious UCSB University Service Award.
Tessa’s powerful acceptance speech captivated the audience. She recounted her emotional transformation following the events of February 2024, recognizing the moment as a divine calling to embrace advocacy more fully. Her words resonated deeply:
“Hashem gave me this experience not as a burden, but as a mission. In just one year, by standing on the right side of history, my life changed. I’ve spoken at over 60 events, visited the White House and the UN, and appeared in the documentary October 8, now screening in Australia.”
Tessa concluded with a powerful affirmation of Jewish pride and resilience:
“May the hostages come home now.” May our soldiers in Israel come home safely. May we, the Jewish people, not merely survive, but thrive. We are not going anywhere.”
Boris Segalis: From Riga to Leadership in America
Adam Kaiser, partner at Alston & Bird LLP, introduced Boris Segalis, highlighting his extraordinary journey from a childhood in Riga, Latvia, to becoming one of the nation’s top privacy and cybersecurity attorneys. He is currently a leader at Morrison Foerster and has played a central role in building UJA’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Affinity Group.
Boris shared a poignant personal story about discovering he was Jewish at age seven, when he was forced to skip a grade because a kindergarten teacher refused to teach a Jewish child. This early encounter with antisemitism shaped his identity and propelled him to strive for excellence.
He recalled the reopening of a Jewish school in Riga in 1989, sponsored by HIAS and financed by UJA, marking his first connection to the organization that would later become such an important part of his life.
“That school saved us. It was our own Exodus—our modern Passover. We, the Jews of the former Soviet Union, carry a legacy of resilience and renewal.”
Boris called on the community to use their own immigrant experiences to show solidarity with others facing persecution and to support the broader humanitarian mission of UJA. He also paid tribute to his wife, Fainna Kagan, as a steadfast partner in his journey.
“Everything I’ve accomplished over the past 20 years is because she’s been by my side.”
He concluded by praising UJA’s multifaceted efforts—supporting Jewish causes, fighting antisemitism, and funding over 30 food kitchens and full-service community centers across New York serving people of all backgrounds.
A Night that Reflected the Heart of UJA: Community, Continuity, and Collective Responsibility
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that this wasn’t just another fundraiser—it was a deeply moving gathering of hearts, histories, and hopes. What set this night apart was the powerful reminder that the UJA-Federation of New York is more than a philanthropic institution—it is a lifeline, a guardian, and a beacon for Jews in crisis and in strength, both locally and globally.
For over a century, UJA has stood at the forefront of Jewish communal life—mobilizing resources, activating networks, and offering support in moments of profound urgency. Since October 7, that work has taken on even greater urgency. UJA has launched emergency relief efforts for victims of terror in Israel, provided psychological and financial aid to survivors and their families, and helped fortify Jewish security infrastructure at home, especially on college campuses where antisemitism has surged.
But their reach extends beyond crisis response. In New York, UJA funds over 700 nonprofit partners and programs serving not only the Jewish community but anyone in need—supporting Holocaust survivors, providing mental health care, job training, food security, housing assistance, elder care, and inclusion for people with disabilities. This intersection of Jewish values with broad humanitarian impact is what makes UJA’s work both unique and indispensable.
The FSU community plays a critical role in this mission. Once refugees themselves, many are now leaders, philanthropists, and proud Jewish voices shaping the next chapter of American Jewish life. The FSU division of UJA has become a vibrant hub where shared stories and shared responsibility meet, where those who were once helped now help others.
As Nadya Belenkiy, co-chair of UJA-FSU, passionately expressed in her closing remarks:
“Now is the moment to lean in, to give what we can, and to honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a stronger future. UJA’s work changes lives—tonight is proof of that.”
The evening was more than just a celebration—it was a call to action. A reaffirmation that being Jewish means showing up: for Israel, for our neighbors, and for one another. And that within every act of generosity, every voice raised in advocacy, and every life uplifted, the soul of our community endures.
Guests lingered well into the night, enjoying spirited dancing, heartfelt conversations, and an elegant dessert buffet—closing the evening on a joyful and uplifting note, perfectly reflecting a cause that feeds both the soul and the community.
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
