News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

New grants totaling $115,000 were recently approved by Federation’s Israel & Overseas Committee for five Israeli nonprofits that provide nutritious food and essential assistance to vulnerable people of all ages.

“Our mission to Morocco reminded us that our story is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to Jewish identity,” said Greater Miami Jewish Federation General Campaign Chair Elise Udelson, who co-chaired the journey with husband Ronny.

BeWell Miami’s Third Annual Youth Mental Health Summit was a resounding success, welcoming more than 200 attendees from across Jewish Miami. This year’s theme, From Algorithms to Emotions: Youth Mental Health in a Digital World, explored how young people are navigating an increasingly complex world with an impressive lineup of speakers, engaging breakout sessions, opportunities for teens to share their perspectives and resources for families and professionals.

PJ Library and Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center are seeking parents and grandparents to share the magic of Chanukah with students in public and private secular schools from Tuesday, December 1 to Friday, December 11.

Federation is enhancing public spaces to meet the needs of Israel’s growing population of older adults who may be facing functional limitations, loneliness and a lack of socialization.

The Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach has organized a commemoration of Kristallnacht — the Night of Broken Glass — on Monday, November 9 to remember and honor the victims of antisemitic pogroms that devastated Jewish communities throughout Nazi Germany on November 9-10, 1938.

Jewish Miami extends our heartfelt gratitude to Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski for calling on Catholics to stand with their Jewish brothers and sisters during this time of increased antisemitism.

Israel’s robust democracy was on full display during this week’s national election — the first to occur since Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks on October 7. Citizens turned out in droves to exercise their right to vote with voter turnout reaching nearly 78 percent in what many are calling the most crucial election in the country’s history.

Federation’s Israel & Overseas Committee recently approved $150,000 in new grants to six Israeli nonprofits that support inclusion and greater independence for people with disabilities in a variety of settings.

Early Voting for the 2026 Midterm General Election is now open across Miami-Dade County through Sunday, November 1. For a complete Early Voting schedule and voting site names and addresses, click here.

In Federation’s longstanding commitment to empowering Ethiopian-Israelis, our Israel and Overseas Committee recently approved $175,000 in new grants to six programs. For more than two decades, Federation-funded initiatives have expanded access to education, employment and economic independence for thousands of Ethiopian-Israelis.

Who has inspired you to advance your Jewish philanthropy? For longtime Federation donor Dolly Harris, it was her lifelong friend, Irene Baros. Dolly recently endowed her Lion of Judah gift, becoming a Forever Lion and ensuring that her commitment to our Jewish community will continue forever.

Join the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach for the annual commemoration of Kristallnacht — the Night of Broken Glass — on Monday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Federation works year-round to promote awareness of breast cancer risks in our Jewish community. Federation-supported nonprofits Sharsheret and Yodeah provide lifesaving education and access to breast cancer screening for Jewish women.

Join Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center for the 18th Annual Everything but the Turkey, a family-friendly experience that brings our community together to help neighbors in need.

After more than a decade of advocacy, Federation partner Beit Issie Shapiro has helped secure an important victory for Israeli children with disabilities and their families. Previously, children attending extended-hours special education programs often lost access to free transportation home, placing additional pressure on parents.

Amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, Federation is helping teenagers across the war-torn country celebrate their Jewish heritage. “In moments like these, I’m glad I have Active Jewish Teens … a big Jewish family where everyone supports each other,” said 14-year-old Lada, who lives in Lviv.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home) helps survivors and their families find safety, stability and hope year-round.