Eric S. Goldstein, who has been at the helm of UJA-Federation of New York for 11 years, will resign from his position as CEO next summer, marking the end of a significant chapter for North America’s largest Jewish federation.
In an announcement released on Tuesday, Goldstein reflected on his impactful tenure, which has been punctuated by numerous communal crises, including two wars in Gaza and the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“I remember well my plans for that first summer of 2014. I expected to learn the ropes and ease into the job. History, tragically, had other plans,” Goldstein wrote.
He recalled that on June 30, 2014, the discovery of the bodies of three yeshiva boys kidnapped by Hamas led to a 50-day conflict, with Goldstein’s first public engagement being a memorial service for the victims.
Goldstein emphasized how UJA-Federation responded to crises, noting the unity that emerged within the community during turbulent times.
“I learned by doing, witnessing in real time the power of UJA to respond in crisis,” he stated.
He also highlighted the evolution of his role since taking charge in 2014, particularly in light of a concerning rise in antisemitism in the United States.
Goldstein pointed out that when he joined UJA, there were no budget allocations for combating domestic antisemitism or ensuring Jewish communal security.
However, he remarked on the federation’s proactive measures in this area, including the establishment of the Community Security Initiative in 2019, which now includes a team of more than 20 individuals dedicated to securing over 3,400 Jewish institutions across New York and beyond.
Goldstein’s appointment was a notable shift, as he was selected not from the traditional pool of “Jewish professionals” but instead as a financial litigation lawyer with a strong background in leadership within the Jewish community.
In light of the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Goldstein made headlines in 2020 when he chose to forgo his salary, which was reported to be $546,000 at the time, as the federation was forced to cut 12% of its workforce.
For the fiscal year 2024, UJA-Federation reported raising $445.4 million, inclusive of $40.4 million in planned giving and endowments.
The federation allocated $263.5 million in grants, supporting various initiatives including social welfare programs, Hillels, community centers, Jewish day schools, and support for Israel-related projects.
Following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, UJA responded swiftly, allocating nearly $198 million in emergency funds to assist communities affected by the conflict.
Goldstein’s leadership was praised by Linda Mirels, president of the federation, and Marc Rowan, chair of the board, who acknowledged his transformational impact on UJA.
“Eric’s tenure has been transformational. His steady judgment guided UJA through some of the most challenging periods in recent history,” they stated.
Goldstein plans to finalize his departure in June 2026, though the announcement did not mention a potential successor.
image source from：jta
