News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

October 7 forever changed the lives of millions of Israelis, but the Federation-funded Back on Track Employment Rehabilitation program is helping many build resilience — and new careers. Omer Rafaeli, a psychology and civics teacher at the only high school in the Gaza Envelope, evacuated to Eilat with his young family in the wake of the attacks.

Nearly 2 million Israelis — about 20 percent of the State’s population — live with a disability. Federation supports nonprofits that assist Israelis of all ages with disabilities beyond the month of February — Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM).

Longtime Federation supporters Diane and Howard Schilit were recently recognized for their generous gift to the University of Florida (UF) Hillel. “I want the staff to have resources they need to do the amazing job they are doing,” said Diane, a UF alumna and current UF Hillel Board member.

Join your Jewish community in volunteering on Super Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and show you are Jewish Miami Strong. Bring your phone, your family and your friends to Federation and help raise funds to support our Jewish family worldwide.

A new year often means starting from scratch, but not at The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, where endowed gifts distribute millions of dollars at the start of every Annual Campaign cycle.

Is antisemitism the new normal? Will the Surge — a marked increase in Jewish engagement — continue? Join an esteemed panel on Thursday, March 5 for an enlightening discussion on these topics during Rising for Resilience: Combating Antisemitism in Miami and Beyond.

“Our visit offered the connection to Israel that American Jews dream about,” said Michael Moss, whose Israel trip through the Miami-Yerucham partnership included a meaningful visit to Federation’s partner city.

Last week, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the NAACP brought a diverse group of 15 teenagers to Tallahassee for a special Advocacy Day.

February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM), but Federation's Miami Jewish Abilities Alliance (MJAA) works year-round to advocate for people with disabilities and their families.

“Representing Israel at the Olympics has been a 20-year dream in the making that’s now a reality,” said Jared Firestone, a member of our Miami community who is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in the high-speed sliding sport of skeleton.

Help share the joy of Passover with Holocaust Survivors and other homebound older adults in our community by participating in Matzah Mitzvah on Sunday, March 8 at 9 a.m. The much-loved, family-favorite volunteer event will bring together hundreds of community members to pack and deliver Passover food and personal hygiene baskets to more than 500 individuals.

The future of Jewish Miami will be shining bright at the Fourth Annual Masquerade Ball Fundraiser on Saturday, February 28 in Aventura. Chaired by Maty and Avi Jamal, the evening is organized by Federation’s Young Leadership Division and will include entertainment, an open bar and delicious food.

Last week, Jewish Miami was well represented at the Second Annual Israel and Jewish Advocacy Days at the Florida Capitol. More than 50 Miami participants joined the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to meet with a bipartisan delegation of state legislators about antisemitism, Israel and other issues of importance to the Jewish community.

Before a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,700 guests this past Sunday, Jewish Miami came together for The Main Event: A Night of Friends and Allies. Federation Board Chair Lily Serviansky and General Campaign Chair Moj Khaghan Danial shared how we are Jewish Miami Strong and how the Annual Federation Campaign supports local and global needs.

Federation is building a meaningful connection between Jewish Miami congregational school students and their peers in Israel through Tu B’Shevat Across the Sea: Miami-Yerucham Partner Trees project.

Between 2023 and 2025, emergency room visits by children and teens due to suicidality increased by roughly 60 percent. Federation is funding programs like Gila’s Way to prevent more tragedies amid Israel’s national mental health crisis.

Federation longtime support of Maslan, the Negev’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Support Center, has helped facilitate its vital impact over the past year. Maslan provides emotional support and practical aid to survivors and their families.

Miami loves Israel! Federation’s new Israel Engagement & Education Grants demonstrate we are Jewish Miami Proud by enabling nine local organizations to connect individuals of all ages in our community with our beloved Israel.