Getting to know your Federation Board of Directors

Name: Karen Palayew

Profession: Pediatrician

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and was raised in Montreal. I went to medical school at McGill University. I started my pediatric training at Montreal Children’s Hospital and completed my fellowship at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. I married my husband Lorne Segal in 1989 and our 3 children - Noah, Matthew, and Julie, were all born in Toronto. For reasons of lifestyle, and proximity to extended family, we moved to Ottawa in 2000, and we very quickly fell in love with all that the city has to offer.

I am most at peace when I am playing outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. I love kayaking, swimming, cycling, hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. While I have retired from playing recreational hockey, my greatest passion is skating the canal. There is no greater sense of freedom, and virtually everyone out on the ice is smiling.

In my free time, I love baking, cooking and landscape painting. Each of these fulfill my need for a creative outlet, while hopefully bringing comfort and beauty to others.

How long have you been on the board?

I joined the board in June 2019.

Why did you join the board?

In my role as co-chair of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa Annual Campaign, I felt
it was important for me to have a full understanding of the workings of
Federation. The board has strong leadership, and an outstanding group of
volunteer members, each of whom are so committed to our community. During my short time on the board, I have gained insight into the full scope of what
Federation provides to Jewish Ottawa. This has only strengthened my desire to
continue my involvement, and to give even more of myself to our community.

My area of strategic community concern:  Increasing fundraising / and strategic fundraising

My goals are:

In my current role as co-chair of the Annual Campaign, I have committed
myself to fundraising. I appreciate the wide-reaching support that Federation
provides to the Jewish community. I recognize the importance of ensuring a strong and vibrant day-to-day Jewish life for all members of our community. And as we continue to strengthen our foundation, building on Jewish values, we can feel confident this will carry forward for future generations.

My favourite aspect of the Ottawa Jewish community:

My favourite aspect of Jewish Ottawa is when we all come together for community-wide events. Whether it be for challah bakes, cooking for Ten Yad,
Mitzvah Day, memorial services, solidarity gatherings... I feel the strength of our
community most when we all come together as one. Our connections with one
another keep us strong, and encourage even further engagement in our community.