April 2025
Jazmin Rymberg
Hamilton Jewish Federation CEO Gustavo Rymberg is being awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his visionary leadership, his advocacy against hate and antisemitism, and his commitment to community building. Flamborough-Glanbrook Member of Parliament Dan Muys will present the medal to Rymberg this spring, in recognition of what he has described as Rymberg’s “strong advocacy and wisdom and calm, particularly in these challenging times when hate is too prevalent on our streets.” Rymberg is among 30,000 Canadians nationwide to receive the award, which recognizes significant contributions in public that have advanced Canadian society or brought international recognition to the country.
Since stepping into the role of Federation CEO in 2017, Rymberg has gained the respect and admiration of community leaders, donors, and Federation staff. For Jacki Levin, who was president of Federation when Rymberg was hired, his leadership qualities were evident during the interview process. “What impressed me most was how much research Gustavo did on Hamilton. He came in with a vision, and he has executed it flawlessly,” she said.
Rymberg’s visionary leadership has driven several transformative initiatives, including JHamilton—his most ambitious project—uniting four Jewish organizations under one roof, orchestrating a coordinated community response to the COVID-19 crisis, and positioning Hamilton as the host of an international conference on antisemitism. Federation treasurer Lorne Rochwerg highlighted the significance of the 2022 #nomoreantisemitism conference, noting that it not only placed Hamilton on the global stage but also laid the foundation for Federation’s partnership with Yad Vashem and the creation of the Margaret’s Legacy Holocaust Learning and Jewish Advocacy Centre.
Rymberg has also reinvigorated the annual Community Campaign, which had remained stagnant for years. As the primary fundraising vehicle sustaining Jewish life in Hamilton, the campaign has flourished under his leadership, with annual contributions nearly tripling.
“We were in a hole,” said Jacki Levin with admiration. “He put us on a mountain.”
Rymberg’s strong leadership has reshaped how both Federation and the Hamilton Jewish community are perceived in the public sphere. A dedicated advocate for community safety and inclusion, he serves as co-chair of the Hamilton Police Service Hate Crime case review team, working closely with law enforcement to combat hate-motivated incidents. A recent example of his impact was the intervention of the Mayor’s office in securing a new venue for the 2024 Hamilton Jewish Film Festival after a local theatre withdrew its support—demonstrating the power of the close alliances Rymberg has cultivated over the years.
Rymberg’s deep commitment to the Jewish community traces back to 1997 when he, his wife Marisa, and their two daughters became the first Argentinian family to immigrate to Canada through the Jewish community’s Grow Winnipeg initiative. He began his Canadian career as a graphic designer at the Winnipeg Rady JCC, a role that soon led to new opportunities. A scholarship from the JCC Association of North America allowed him to earn a master’s degree in marketing from Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson), and in 2003, he was recognized as Professional of the Year by the JCC Association. After holding leadership roles in Jewish communities in Ottawa and Toronto, Rymberg moved to Hamilton in 2017 to assume the role of CEO at the Hamilton Jewish Federation.
Rymberg’s commitment to professional development led him to join the inaugural cohort of the Spertus Institute’s Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism in February 2023—an experience that prepared him to navigate the challenges Jewish communities faced in the aftermath of Hamas’s deadly attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. The relationships and frameworks he established beforehand became the foundation for his effective leadership over the past 18 months, leaving a lasting impression on MP Dan Muys.
“Gustavo brought leadership and professionalism,” said Muys. “People feel a sense of connection through his passion. He has been a builder of this community.”
Having personally benefited from the support of the Jewish community in his own career, Rymberg is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders. Early in his tenure, he put this commitment into action by bringing fresh, younger voices to the Federation board of directors and staff.
According to Jacki Levin, fostering young leadership has always been a core value for Rymberg and his wife, Marisa.
“They taught their children that everything the Jewish community did for them, they must give back tenfold. Well, he’s done it a hundredfold.”
Rymberg’s dedication and work ethic have had a tremendous impact on the morale of Federation staff, who, according to long-time Hamilton Jewish News editor Wendy Schneider, are thriving under his leadership.
“Gustavo is a natural leader and role model—thoughtful, considerate, and always appreciative,” she said. “No task is too small for him. I’ve seen him mopping floors after a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. His example motivates staff to go above and beyond.”
MP Dan Muys will present Rymberg and 30 other recipients with their Coronation Medals in May.
For Rymberg, this honour goes beyond a personal achievement—it symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Jewish community he has worked tirelessly to build. Through his vision, dedication, and steadfast commitment, he has played a vital role in ensuring that Jewish life in Hamilton is not just surviving but thriving.
