News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Alper JCC Miami and Miami Beach JCC proudly represented Jewish Miami in last week’s JCC Maccabi Games in Toronto and Kansas City. In total, 3,000 teens from around the world gathered to celebrate sportsmanship and Jewish spirit.

“This past year in Miami has been one of the most meaningful and positive experiences of my life,” noted Tamar upon completion of her year as a shinshin (young emissary from Israel). The shinshinim gap year program, facilitated by Federation partner The Jewish Agency for Israel, brings high school graduates who have deferred their IDF service to act as cultural ambassadors for Israel in Jewish communities worldwide.

August is Make-A-Will Month and a great time to check off this important item on your to-do list. This month, The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation reminds us of three important things: You don’t need to be wealthy to create a will; leaving a charitable gift in your will doesn’t mean your family will receive less; and your charitable gift doesn’t need to be large in order to matter.

Among the many Federation-funded therapeutic programs for Israel’s war-impacted north are art workshops for people of all ages. Through the Fund for the Victims of Terror, which provides emergency aid and long-term rehabilitation, our Annual Campaign is furthering dozens of group interventions including innovative art therapy workshops.

Tell Congress to take action to protect the Jewish community today! Antisemitism is rising, and Jewish communities across the country continue to face serious security threats. The bipartisan Jewish American Security Act (S. 4576 & HR 9211) would strengthen protections for Jewish communities through increased security funding, stronger student protections, and new tools to combat antisemitism.

With summer break quickly coming to an end, Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) is ensuring children of low income families are prepared to start the new school year. Last week, JVC visited the Everglades Recreation Center with a group of volunteers to spend time with the children and help fill their backpacks.

In a powerful display of resilience and hope, former hostages and survivors of October 7 took to the courts during the 2026 Maccabiah Games — often called the "Jewish Olympics" — along with Israeli basketball legends and new olim (immigrants).

Jewish students can now apply for need-based, interest-free loans covering undergraduate, graduate and vocational programs through JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund), a Federation partner agency.

As antisemitism and attacks on Jewish people and institutions continue, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is increasing its investment in securing Jewish Miami. A key component of this effort is the Regional Threat Center (RTC), a partnership among Federation, the Secure Community Network (SCN) and South Florida Federations.

Calling all emerging teen leaders: Apply now for a special fellowship and travel to Israel with your peers! Operated by CAJE | The Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education, a Federation agency, Diller Teen Fellows is comprised of 10th- and 11th-grade Jewish teens seeking a memorable leadership development opportunity.

This summer, your Federation donation is bringing respite and joy to war-weary Israelis through the Fund for Victims of Terror (FVOT). In June, FVOT held a retreat for 40 women whose spouses were severely wounded in combat. A collaboration with Or HaShachar Ha’Oleh, which promotes resilience through the sea and surfing, the women participated in art workshops and group healing sessions.

Israeli teens from Federation’s partner city of Yerucham recently traveled to Miami for nearly two weeks to mentor local kids and young adults in robotics and other STEM skills, all while strengthening their connection to Israel.

Hundreds of Jewish children and teens from Central and Eastern Europe are strengthening their Jewish identity and receiving a respite from rampant antisemitism at Camp Szarvas, an international Jewish camp in rural Hungary.

Federation continues to support Israel as the country rebuilds areas devastated on October 7. Federation President and CEO Scott Kaufman was among the hundreds of Jewish leaders who attended the ribbon-cutting for the Western Negev Building Project, which aims to build up to 1,000 new housing units across southern Israel.

Calling all Jewish young adults: Build the Jewish community of your dreams in Miami Beach with Moishe House! Federation partner Moishe House is recruiting a new group of residents (ages 22-32) to lead the next chapter of Moishe House Miami Beach. Residents receive support and resources to create vibrant Jewish experiences for their peers while building community and leadership skills.

Through a comprehensive response to Ukraine's wartime needs, Federation is not only helping sustain the Ukrainian Jewish community today but also building for its future. Throughout more than four years of war, Federation has provided emergency aid, food, medicine, trauma support, Jewish education and communal connection.

“We were inspired by the resilience, hope and humanity that define their daily lives,” said Greater Miami Jewish Federation Board members Marian and Paul Kruss (pictured) of the members of Kibbutz Or HaNer, who are still recovering from rocket attacks on October 7.

This summer, BeWell Miami continues its camp staff mental health trainings at Miami’s three Federation-supported JCCs. Camp counselor trainings focus on equipping staff with the means to better address challenges and support the social and emotional well-being of their campers.