Anne and Jerry Gontownik care deeply about the Jewish people, are ardent Zionists, and are driven by the concept of “Kol Yisrael Areyvim Ze Bazeh.” The Gontowniks have created and implemented unique programs with many communal organizations. For over 20 years, Anne has been serving on the National Board of Emunah of America and is a past president of the Gella Feldman Chapter of Englewood. She also served as vice president of The Frisch School in Paramus. Both Anne and Jerry are involved with the Orthodox Union’s Teach Coalition, and Jerry has served as a senior vice president, advocating for Jewish education, as well as chairperson of the Ambassadors Corps of NORPAC, a pro-Israel, bipartisan political action committee.

Anne and Jerry each grew up in homes where being a Jew was considered a privilege and a responsibility. Jerry’s parents, Zina and Abe Z"L, were Holocaust survivors. Abe was a leader among the Partisans in Vilna and conveyed to Jerry the importance of standing up for fellow Jews. Anne’s parents, Elaine and Robert Z”L Jacobs, American-born Zionists, raised their family in a home where caring about Israel meant taking action to help make a difference. Based on the homes they grew up in, Anne and Jerry always sought out opportunities to engage their children in projects that highlight the joy of helping other Jews, both in Israel and America.

Anne and Jerry hold Emunah close to their hearts, and their life story is intertwined with many Emunah projects. When Anne and Jerry were blessed to celebrate their own family smachot, they felt these celebrations were incomplete without their family also facilitating a simcha for others in Israel. When their fifth son was born, they asked their family and friends that all gifts be donated to Emunah. They also established the Birthday Toy Room at Emunah's Bet Elazraki Children Home. Their sons celebrated Hanachat Tefillin ceremonies at the Kotel and had their party at The Appleman Art College, along with Emunah’s children. Their son, Ezra, met his wife, Lilly, while volunteering at Emunah's Bet Elazraki and got engaged at Emunah's Neve Michael Children Home. Ezra also the co-founder of Kol Hanearim, and ran the first cohort of KH at Neve Michael the summer of 2015. Anne and Jerry’s love for Emunah continues with their grandchildren. Most recently, the Gontowniks celebrated the Bnei Mitzvah of three of their grandchildren at Emunah’s Neve Michael Children's Home. Their grandchildren also chose to contribute to Emunah in honor of their simchas.

Anne and Jerry are the proud parents of Shira and Ari, Daniela and Zev, Bellene and Yoni, Jordana and Ranan, Hillel, and Lilly and Ezra. They are the proud grandparents of Netanel, Eliana, Maya, Didi, Abie, Ruthie, Ava, Nora, Sylvia, Jacob, Phila, Jack, Avery, Asher, Mia, and Jean Rose.
Anne and Jerry are grateful to Hashem for the blessings He has bestowed on them and thank their family and friends who join them in supporting Emunah of America.