Jewish Federations of North America

CT Jewish groups urge caution after man rammed vehicle into Michigan synagogue Officials urged residents to report any activity to law enforcement.

"Today's events prove once again that the investments our community makes in security play a critical role in keeping us safe, even in the face of the intolerable antisemitic violence around us.” - statement from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

“It’s a sad commentary today that we have to make our buildings not only warm, welcoming and vibrant, but also secure and safe,” said Jeffrey Lasday, with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

“This is a tough time, but we will get through this ... We will get through this stronger, and we will continue to be loud and proud of being Jewish. This will not change us.” - Steven Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

A typical Jewish organization spends 14% annual budget on security, which Jewish Federations of North America president and CEO Eric Fingerhut referred to as a “Jewish tax” in a recent speech. https://ow.ly/vteE50YtyCR

“Security is nothing new for Temple Israel, nor for Jewish institutions across North America, which spend about $765 million per year on security costs, according to Jewish Federations of North America."

Detroit Jewish leader warns of ‘real threat’ to community | The Jerusalem Post “Today’s heinous attack is a frightening and painful reminder that antisemitism continues to be a real and present threat to our Jewish communities,” Gary Torgow told The Jerusalem Post.

Following the attack on Temple Israel in Michigan, Jewish Federations of North America Chair Gary Torgow warned that antisemitism remains a “real and present threat.” https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-889829

Jewish Federations of North America are horrified at the antisemitic terrorist attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, MI.

https://www.jewishfederations.org/blog/all/jewish-federations-statement-on-terrorist-attack-in-west-bloomfield-mi-512928

Rocket fire devastated orchards and vineyards in northern Israel. With support from Jewish Federations of North America and partners, initiatives like ReGrow Israel are helping farmers replant, rebuild livelihoods, and restore communities.

In Israel’s missile war, some families run to shelters. Others have nowhere to go. - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Recent government data showed that only .3% of public shelters were in Arab communities.

Missile sirens send Israelis running for shelter, but not everyone has one nearby. A look at how civilians across Israel are navigating the dangers of Iran’s missile attacks. https://www.jta.org/2026/03/10/israel/in-israels-missile-war-some-families-run-to-shelters-others-have-nowhere-to-go

Briefing: Israel & the United States at War with Iran with Amit Segal Please click the link to complete this form.

Join us today at 11am ET for a briefing on the current situation in Iran, featuring Israeli Journalist and Political Analyst, Amit Segal https://jfeds.org/briefingmarch12

Briefing: Israel & the United States at War with Iran with Amit Segal Please click the link to complete this form.

Join us tomorrow at 11am ET for a briefing on the current situation in Iran, featuring Israeli Journalist and Political Analyst, Amit Segal https://jfeds.org/briefingmarch12

In Howard County, Holocaust Stories Are Being Passed Down and Preserved David Halpern was born in France, but raised mostly in the United States. While he didn’t know much about his parents’ background, he knew that their native language was Polish and not French. He knew that World War II was a terrible time for them and their loved ones.

As Holocaust survivors pass away, new generations are stepping forward to tell their stories. In Howard County, descendants are preserving family histories so the memory & lessons are never lost. https://www.jewishtimes.com/in-howard-county-holocaust-stories-are-being-passed-down-and-preserved/

Reform Zionism is still alive Israel gets a bad rap among Reform Jews. And Reform Jews get a bad rap when it comes to Israel. Spend enough time in Jewish spaces, and you will hear both narratives repeated as fact: liberal Jews are distancing themselves from Israel, and Reform Jews are uncomfortable with Zionism. Israel, meanwhile, is increasingly perceived as... Read More

Reform Zionism isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving. As Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz writes, a Jewish Federations of North America survey shows many Jews uneasy with the term “Zionism,” yet 88% support Israel’s right to exist. https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/reform-zionism-is-still-alive/

Why embracing Jewish Peoplehood is a matter of urgency A few weeks ago, I published an op-ed in eJewishPhilanthropy titled “How the language of Jewish Peoplehood can move us forward from the current crisis” (Jan. 15). In that piece, I proposed shifting our focus toward revisiting the constitutive values of Jewish Peoplehood and providing fresh answers to foundational questions: What does being responsible for... Read More

A recent Jewish Federations of North America study highlights both rising solidarity and growing divides across the Jewish world. This Op-Ed explores the data's implications for Jewish Peoplehood. https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/why-embracing-jewish-peoplehood-is-a-matter-of-urgency/

With Israelis displaced and stuck in bomb shelters, Social Delivery brings aid where it's needed The idea is straightforward: Some people have things they don’t need; other people need things they don’t have.  The Israeli nonprofit Shinua Hevrati (Social Delivery) steps into the gap between the two, helping remove unwanted items — a clothing company with an unsellable surplus of merchandise; a relocating startup getting rid of its office furniture — and... Read More

Shinua Hevrati is delivering mattresses, clothing, and essentials nationwide to displaced Israelis with support from @jfederations partner, @jewishagency. https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/with-israelis-displaced-and-stuck-in-bomb-shelters-social-delivery-brings-aid-where-its-needed/

Shots fired at 3 Toronto synagogues are a stark reminder of threats to Jewish communities. Jewish Federations & partners continue to work to protect Jewish institutions & keep communities safe. https://jewishinsider.com/2026/03/shaarei-shomayim-synagogue-the-beth-avraham-yoseph-of-toronto-shootings/

Thousands of American students remain in Israel, despite escalating regional tensions “I am trying to have the resilience that is in the DNA of all Israelis,” a seminary student from Washington state studying at Machon Maayan told JNS.

Nearly 5,500 students, remain in Israel during the conflict. Through IETA, an initiative of Jewish Federations of North America, programs and partners are supporting their safety & wellbeing. https://www.jns.org/thousands-of-american-students-remain-in-israel-despite-escalating-regional-tensions/

Even in wartime, aliyah continues. A new immigrant arrived in Israel this week, an inspiring reminder of the connection between Jewish communities worldwide and Israel. https://www.jns.org/first-immigrant-since-start-of-war-arrives-in-israel-ministry-says/

Israeli airlines launch first outbound flights from Ben Gurion since start of Iran war Efforts to repatriate thousands of Israelis stranded in the UAE to resume as more than 15,000 return to country on 90 flights since the partial reopening of the airspace

Israeli airlines have launched the first outbound flights from Ben Gurion Airport since the start of the war with Iran, offering limited routes as the country cautiously resumes air travel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-airlines-launch-first-outbound-flights-from-ben-gurion-during-iran-war/

'We’re not afraid': New olim say they have no regrets New arrivals in absorption centers across Israel learn Hebrew and the difference between early alerts and real rocket sirens; despite the war, they say immigrating to Israel fulfilled a lifelong dream

At @JewishAgency absorption centers, new olim are building their lives in Israel despite the sirens, an inspiring reminder of the strength of the Jewish people and our global community. https://www.ynetnews.com/jewish-world/article/sjzot11ntbl

JCC Global's 'Good to Great' offers international lifeline to Ukrainian communities under fire Despite power shortages, lack of heating and destroyed infrastructure, Ukrainian participants in the JCC Global’s “Good to Great” program continue to show up for their regular monthly Zoom calls with their international partners, wrapped in blankets but eager to connect with other Jewish communities as the war in Ukraine has entered its fourth year. Launched... Read More

As Ukrainian Jewish communities face the impact of war, JCC Global’s “Good to Great” program is helping to connect, strengthen & sustain Jewish communities. https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/jcc-globals-good-to-great-offers-international-lifeline-to-ukrainian-communities-under-fire/

Briefing: Israel & the United States at War with Iran with Ambassador Leiter Please click the link to complete this form.

Join @jfederations today at 1 pm ET for a special briefing on the conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter will provide insights on the latest developments.https://jfeds.org/IranBriefingMarch9

On #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the visionary women who lead #JewishFederations, serve on boards, and advocate for causes that matter. Your leadership makes our communities stronger.

Chabad’s emissaries strengthen Jewish life around the world, welcoming anyone seeking community, tradition, or support. From campuses to small towns to major cities, their work helps countless people connect with Jewish life and one another.

Just as it was wrapping up work from June war, fresh conflict thrusts JDC back into crisis mode ‘We are tired, and philanthropy is tired, and the government is tired — and the needs are just getting bigger, but we're also very lucky to do good every morning'

Through the work of our partner agencies like @JDC, @jfederations support vulnerable Israelis displaced by missile attacks with emergency aid and critical assistance https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/just-as-it-was-wrapping-up-work-from-june-war-fresh-conflict-thrusts-jdc-back-into-crisis-mode/

Over 1,700 evacuees living in hotels after Iranian strikes | The Jerusalem Post Since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion, approximately 1,700 people have been forced out of their homes and placed in hotels, needing approximately 950 rooms.

More than 1,700 Israelis have been displaced by Iranian missile strikes. Through our partners like @theJewish Agency and @LatetAid, @Jfederations are helping provide emergency assistance, housing support, and relief.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-889053

The music of his people and his childhood - Jewish Community Voice In a small Brooklyn apartment, surrounded by shelves stacked with tapes and records, a lifelong passion for music and culture comes alive over the airwaves. For Aaron Bendich, radio is more than sound; it is a bridge to the past, a celebration of heritage, and a way to connect with audiences across generations. Each broadcast is a journey into the <a href="https://www.jewishvoicesnj.org/articles/the-music-of-his-people-and-his-childhood/">[…]</a>

“Supporting projects like this allows us to preserve tradition while inspiring new generations,” said Rachel Waldman, Executive Director of Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. https://www.jewishvoicesnj.org/articles/the-music-of-his-people-and-his-childhood/

Jews in N.Y. 'monitoring our security and safety' amid Middle East conflict Across the state, places of worship and other locations where the Jewish community gathers are on heightened alert.

“When conflicts involving Israel arise, Jews everywhere become targets of antisemitism,” said Monica Gebell with @endhateroc. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/binghamton/news/2026/03/04/an-increase-in-security-at-locations-where-jewish-people-gather-in-response-to-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east

As we spring forward this weekend, we open our hearts to the fresh start and renewal this season brings. Shabbat Shalom.

Community Reacts to U.S.-Israel Attack Against Iran Though there was uncertainty about what would ensue in the days following, those interviewed by The Journal acknowledged the strikes against the Islamic Republic in Iran constituted a pivotal turning point in the history of the Middle East.

“We know this moment feels deeply personal for many, especially the Persian Jewish community that is such a vital part of Los Angeles. We see you, and we stand with you,” read the statement from @JFEDLA https://jewishjournal.com/community/387334/community-reacts-to-u-s-israel-attack-against-iran/