Dynamic duo Jamie Diamond Schwartz and David Schwartz named 2026 Annual Campaign Chairs

Jamie and David at a recent JUF event. (Photo credit: Robert Kusel) 

Jamie Diamond Schwartz and David Schwartz are stepping into their new roles as the 2026 JUF Annual Campaign Chairs, continuing a shared and longstanding commitment to strengthening and sustaining Chicago’s Jewish community. Serving together—an opportunity especially meaningful to both of them—reflects their deep sense of collective responsibility and purpose. 

High school classmates, Jamie and David started dating junior year of college and married five years later, but not without first taking a JUF young adult trip to Israel. The experience turned out to be transformative, solidifying not only their bond to one another, but their connection to community.  

In the years that followed, as their family grew, so did Jamie and David’s commitment to JUF. Their three children had their bar and bat mitzvahs in Israel, organized with the help of JUF.  Currently, they serve on the JUF Board of Directors and have previously been involved with multiple committees and chaired several signature events including professional trade dinners, Vanguard, Stand Up Chicago, and the annual Advance & Major Gifts dinner. David previously served on the Board of JCC Chicago and both Jamie and David have been deeply committed supporters of the United States Holocaust Museum since its founding. 

“I am so excited to see Jamie and David take on this role,” said Lonnie Nasatir, JUF President. “Jamie and David are dynamic thinkers and leaders who inspire others to action. They understand the immediate needs that impact our community and believe deeply in our shared responsibility as Jews to take care of each other. They lead from a place of compassion and purpose, a mindset that is especially essential in this extraordinary time for our community.”  

The moment we are in is a reality that guides Jamie and David’s approach to their work, focused on combatting rising antisemitism, supporting Israel’s rebuild, taking care of the most vulnerable in our community, and connecting people to Jewish life. 

As costs of everyday items—from groceries to utilities to other basic needs—continue to rise, families who were barely getting by are being pushed to the brink. At the same time, the organizations that support them are facing skyrocketing costs to support their clients.  

“We saw what happened when SNAP benefits lapsed this past fall and the gut-wrenching choices too many in our community faced,” Jamie said. “We heard from an elderly couple deciding to pay for medication or groceries, and a young mother desperate to feed her children. They were thrust into crisis. Thankfully, JUF was there to help. Immediately. We need to keep doing this work—to support those in our community who need us most and to ensure our partner organizations are in the best possible position to serve their clients with essential services.”  

For generations, JUF has been responsible stewards of community dollars. “That legacy of trust matters now more than ever,” David reflected. “JUF is uniquely positioned to respond smartly and quickly where support is needed most— to care for people, to fight rising antisemitism and to bolster security in Jewish spaces across the Chicagoland area so people can joyfully engage in Jewish life free from fear.” 

“And, just like at home, our brothers and sisters in Israel, who inspire us with their strength and resolve, are counting on us to continue to stand with them as rebuilding gets underway,” Jamie added. 

Their pride in community and belief in possibility is fueled by Jamie and David’s long-standing and deep familial connection to JUF, which has shaped them as leaders and natural connectors. “I love introducing new people to JUF,” David said. “There’s nothing like seeing someone become connected—joining a committee, attending an event, taking a trip to Israel and being generous with their time and resources. I truly believe it’s never too late to get involved.” 

Jamie echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of investing in the future. “Engaging our next generation is essential and especially important to us. We have seen through the eyes of our own young adult children how vital Jewish experiences are in shaping their identity and understanding the world around them. It’s beautiful to see young people living loudly and proudly Jewish. But they can’t do it alone. It’s the responsibility of every single one of us to continue to empower our next generation. Together.” 

Elizabeth Abrams is Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications for JUF.