Join us for the JCC’s 131st Annual Meeting as we honor our outstanding volunteers and dedicated staff, install the 2026–2027 Board of Directors, thank our outgoing Board members and celebrate the many accomplishments of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and our community over the past year. All are welcome to attend.
A Community Conversation: From Afghanistan to Pittsburgh
When thousands of Afghans were desperate to escape the chaos following the return of the Taliban, journalists and other individuals who had worked with international organizations were among those at significant risk. The New York Times went to great lengths to evacuate its current and former Afghan employees and their families, helping them begin new lives in the United States.
For one family, that journey eventually led to Pittsburgh and the JCC. At the heart of this conversation is a story about more than just resettlement. It is a story about belonging, connection, and the power of community. It is a story that reflects what Pittsburgh and our JCC strive to be every day: a place for everybody. A place where people from different backgrounds, experiences and circumstances are welcome and can build relationships and discover opportunities.
Featuring Pittsburgh Afghan refugees Samira and Waissuddin Rustami, their Pittsburgh “mom,” Laura Kessler, and Rebecca Blumenstein, President-Editorial of NBC News, this conversation will explore the Rustamis’ remarkable journey from Afghanistan to Pittsburgh and the critical relationships that helped them build a new life here.
Rebecca Blumenstein previously served as Deputy Managing Editor of The New York Times, Deputy Editor of The Wall Street Journal and China bureau chief, and she is currently the chair of the Board of Overseers of the Columbia Journalism Review. Along with Diana Kapp, Blumenstein co-authored The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan & Coming of Age in America, tracing the journeys of four Afghan women, including Samira Rustami, from the fall of Kabul in 2021 through their evacuation and resettlement in America.
Books will be available for purchase at the JCC’s Annual Meeting.
Wednesday, September 16
5:30 p.m.
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
Levinson Hall
5738 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
The evening will conclude with a reception in Palm Court.
Mazel tov to the JCC’s Annual Meeting awardees:
Rogal-Ruslander Leadership Award: Marcie Weinstein
S. J. Noven Koach Award: Meryl Ainsman
Ida and Samuel Latterman Volunteer Mitzvah Award: JCC Israel Engagement Committee
Lillian Goldstein Senior Adult Volunteer Award: Trish Callaway
Loving Kindness Award: YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
Caplan-Lieber Human Relations Award: Rasika Khedikar from Upper St. Clair High School
JCC Volunteer of the Year through The Jewish Chronicle: Ron Heyman
We’re thrilled to introduce our 2026-2027 Board of Directors who will be helping guide our mission and shape the future of JCCPGH. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our cause, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving our community. The JCC’s fiscal year officially begins at our Annual Meeting with the installation of the Board Members and Officers below.
Officers
Merris Groff, Chair of the Board
Joshua M. Farber, Vice Chair
Carole S. Katz, Vice Chair
Samantha Klein, Vice Chair
Andrea Ruttenberg, Vice Chair
Samuel W. Braver, Treasurer
Alison M. Karlin, Assistant Treasurer
William H. Isler, Secretary
Sharon Werner, Assistant Secretary
Jason Kunzman, President & CEO
Scott E. Seewald, Immediate Past Chair
Board of Directors
Beverly A. Block
Joshua Donner
Elyse Eichner
Zach Gumberg
Julia Howard
Michele D. Levine
Jonathan D. Marcus
Laura E. Parker
Rosy H. Reed
Todd E. Reidbord
Adam Reinherz
Kenneth T. Segel
Joshua Shapira
Evan Stein
Hilary S. Tyson
Mike Warshafsky
James Wolf