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Jun 18, 2025

South Floridians in Israel Staying in Touch

What started as a chat group of 35 at the onset of Operation Rising Lion for Miamians stranded in Israel has turned into an information network for hundreds from across South Florida. Launched by Federation’s Israel & Overseas Director, Dahlia Bendavid, who was in Israel prior to June 13, and Federation’s Israel Representative, Ofer Lichtig, the WhatsApp group grew quickly to involve Israel visitors from Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as families seeking information about their loved ones. In addition to regular check-ins on their location and mental and physical status, the members have discussed methods for returning home. “The WhatsApp group illustrates how Federation creates community when an unexpected issue happens," said Scott Bakal, a frequent traveler to Israel who participated in a Federation solidarity mission after October 7. Click here to read a Miami Herald story featuring Bendavid and Federation Board member Paul Kruss.

Join a Synagogue for 5786

Join a Synagogue for 5786

If you’d like to become a synagogue member for the High Holidays and beyond, there is a congregation in Miami-Dade County ready to welcome you.

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Israel’s Mobile Mental Health Care Unit

Israel’s Mobile Mental Health Care Unit

In supporting the mobile Road to Resilience program in the north of Israel, Federation is helping to address the region’s increase in mental health care needs.

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Much-Loved Milk & Honey Coming Soon

Much-Loved Milk & Honey Coming Soon

Don’t miss one of Jewish Miami’s most loved community service events of the year! Register now for Milk & Honey, organized by Jewish Community Services of South Florida and Federation and help vulnerable seniors in our neighborhood.

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Teen Israel Academy: A New Kind of Israel Education

Teen Israel Academy: A New Kind of Israel Education

Calling all high school juniors and seniors: Are you looking for a safe academic space to grapple with Israel’s complexities and challenging questions before heading off to college? Apply now for the second cohort of Teen Israel Academy.

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