“We in the Jewish communities of the United States and Canada are committed to the ancient principle that all Jews are responsible for each other. You are our brothers and sisters. Your dream to make Aliyah to Israel is our dream. Your special day today is our special day.”
– Jeff Schoenfeld, JFNA's Israel and Overseas Chair,
Last week, dozens of Federation leaders spent three days on a special mission in Ethiopia, and accompanied 180 Ethiopian olim (new immigrants) on their emotional flight to Israel. Israel and Overseas Chair Jeff Schoenfeld pledged Federation support for the olim as they began their new lives, reunited - after years of waiting - with family in Israel.
For 40 years, Jewish Federations have worked together with The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Government of Israel to support the Aliyah of more than 97,000 Ethiopians and their absorption in Israeli society. After receiving government approval, a new phase of Aliyah was recently launched that will bring 3,000 Ethiopian olim to Israel this year. Learn more about the Aliyah from Ethiopia, meet some of the new immigrants, and share this information with others in your community.
Stay Informed: Crisis in Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine rages on Federations, and the partners they support in the field, stand committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians affected by the crisis. Our toolkit of images, videos and personal stories is constantly being updated, and includes information on Federations’ investments before the Ukraine crisis and details on the extraordinary fundraising and urgent allocations since then. Learn about Federations’ collective support through emergency allocations and read this Ukraine Emergency Impact Report that covers JDC's operations and impact from the launch of the war through the end of May.
Facing the Future
Federation partner World ORT recently released their 2021 Annual Review, taking stock of a challenging year during which they continued to meet the complexities posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and helped students achieve success inside and outside the classroom.
Focal Point Fest
If you or someone in your community is passionate about global causes and social justice register today for OLAM’s Focal Point Fest July 11-14, 2022 and join this exclusive opportunity - virtual and in person - to engage with hundreds of Jewish leaders, funders, international development practitioners, global volunteering alumni and individuals working to improve the world.
Spark a Connection
SparkIL is a new platform connecting social lenders to marginalized small business owners in Israel. The platform, which is a joint venture of the Jewish Agency and the Ogen group, gives them access to much-needed credit at fair terms and connects lenders to real people and real businesses. SparkIL is the first peer-to-peer lending platform that lets people support specific small businesses creating a new way to connect with Israel and opening the door to direct relationships between Diaspora Jewry and small business owners in Israel.
Music for Unity between Israel and Diaspora Jewry
In honor of “Israel Unity Day” Israeli pop singer Agam Buhbut, joined by the IDF’s musical troupes, recorded a new song promoting connections between Israelis and Diaspora Jews called “My Brother's Keeper.”
Todah and Brucha Haba'ah!
The I&O family sends a big THANK YOU to Mark Wilf as he steps down after nearly four years as board chair of JFNA. Under Mark’s guidance, Federations have met some of the most challenging moments in our history and come out stronger on the other side. We welcome Julie Platt who will assume the role of board chair this week. Mark has been nominated as chair of our overseas partner, the Jewish Agency for Israel. You can read his farewell message here.