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May 28, 2024

LGBTQ+ Israelis Receive Vital Support From Federation and Our Partners

LGBTQ+ Israelis struggling with trauma following the atrocities of October 7 are receiving vital support from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and our partners on the ground through the collective Jewish Federations of North America Israel Emergency Fund (IEF). Often marginalized by family and the greater community, many are reticent to seek care from state institutions, especially during tumultuous times of war when aggressive behaviors surge, including anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, are heightened. To date, more than $277,000 has been allocated to three essential nonprofits offering a variety of social and psychological services.

Itai, a transgender man on the spectrum, is a graduate of Marsha College, the vocational college of Israel Gay Youth (IGY), a nonprofit working to empower LGBTQ+ youth. After October 7, fearing for his personal safety, Itai did not leave his house, forfeiting his income as a nail artist. During the first two weeks of the war, IGY delivered groceries to his home and provided counseling with a social worker. IGY also opened a cooperative self-care salon on the college campus, providing a safe space in which Itai can regrow his client base and recover his personal and professional equilibrium.

By creating meaningful social spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals ages 12-23, IGY encourages them to be a constructive part of the community and Israeli society. The organization is currently reinforcing its groups in southern Israel that have been impacted by the war and assisting their most vulnerable.

Ma’avarim is an NGO offering social care and emergency welfare response to the Israeli transgender and gender-diverse community. Working in collaboration with the Gila Project and Trans Israel, two other leading trans-led NGOs, Ma’avarim provides assistance to Russian- and Arabic-speaking trans people.

These two organizations, along with other Israeli nonprofits in the LGBTQ+ sector, function under the national emergency mental health support system headed by the Jerusalem Open House, another IEF recipient. Dozens of psychologists and social workers are supplying a nationwide response to the trauma, loss and additional challenges incurred during the ongoing war.

In supporting the diverse services of these vibrant organizations, Jewish federations are standing with LGBTQ+ Israelis in their time of exceptional need.

Federation Issues Statement on Ceasefire and Hostage Return

Federation Issues Statement on Ceasefire and Hostage Return

With tremendous joy and relief the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami (RAGM) welcome the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza that, if goes as planned, will result in the release of all remaining hostages in the coming days.

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Federation Grants for Psychoeducational Evaluations

Federation Grants for Psychoeducational Evaluations

Is the cost of a psychoeducational evaluation for your child preventing you from accessing the services they need to succeed in the classroom? A grant from Federation’s Miami Jewish Abilities Alliance (MJAA) can help!

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Feeding Israel’s Hungry

Feeding Israel’s Hungry

As rising numbers of Israelis face food insecurity, Federation and our partners continue to boost nutritional support for vulnerable individuals and families throughout the country.

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Pay it Forward This Thanksgiving

Pay it Forward This Thanksgiving

Participating in the 17th Annual Everything but the Turkey, hosted by Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) in Miami Beach on Sunday, November 16, 2 p.m. and South Dade on Thursday, November 20, 6 p.m.

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