News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and our partners are working tirelessly to bring aid to all those impacted.

Miami residents: If you and your partner want to share a once-in-a-lifetime Israel experience, sign up today for the next Honeymoon Israel trip! Open to only 20 Miami-area couples, including interfaith, multi-racial and LGBTQ+ partners, Honeymoon Israel (HMI) is a highly subsidized, nine-day trip to explore the country and build meaningful, lasting Jewish connections.

For the second consecutive time in our history, two women have assumed the top volunteer leadership positions at Federation. On July 1, Moj Khaghan Danial officially assumed her role as Federation’s Chair of the Board and Elise Udelson became General Campaign Chair.

The Israeli government recently approved an historic $66 million national initiative to strengthen Jewish education in the Diaspora, with a particular emphasis on North America.

Federation salutes Pride Month, championing LGBTQ+ Jewish life all year long by supporting numerous programs that foster an inclusive Jewish Miami. Most recently, allocations through our Jewish Incubator Grants are helping fund impactful initiatives offered by nonprofits Eshel and Keshet.

Join your community online on Friday, July 10 for a soulful, one-hour Sabbath of Wholeness program presented by spiritual leaders from Federation’s Mishkan Miami and Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.

Ahead of the Fourth of July, clients of Jewish Community Services (JCS) Kosher Food Bank are receiving grocery gift cards along with their regular food packages, thanks to the ongoing generosity of a group of Federation donors.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation has established an Emergency Relief Fund to assist individuals impacted by the Venezuela Earthquakes. Following powerful back-to-back earthquakes near the capital of Caracas on Wednesday, June 24 — among the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in its history — Venezuela has declared a national state of emergency.

This summer, more than 800 Israeli teens will receive much-needed respite through Campers2Gether, an initiative supported by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. The program offers young Israelis impacted by October 7 and the ensuing hostilities a chance to connect with their Jewish peers in North America and Europe through meaningful summer camp experiences.

A diverse group of Greater Miami Jewish Federation staff members recently shared a life-changing journey through Israel, volunteering side by side and seeing our work up close.

During a time of alarming antisemitism and anti-Israel activities, Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) works year-round to advocate on behalf of the Jewish community and build bridges with others.

Jewish summer camp is underway and many of our community’s children and teens have been able to participate through Federation-funded scholarships. “I believe Jewish overnight summer camp gives young people the opportunity to live with their peers 24/7 in a vibrant Jewish environment,” said Diane Lipson Schilit (pictured here in her camp bunk in 1975), a Federation Board member who has created an endowment through The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

Recognizing the unique challenges of Ethiopians olim (immigrants), one of Federation’s core areas of support is focused on programs that help this demographic acclimate to their new spiritual homeland in Israel.

If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, sad or just need someone to talk to, Federation offers essential resources to help you cope. Federation’s primary social services partner, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, operates a 24-hour Access Line, 305.576.6550, with mental health support and trained professionals who can help you now and year-round.

As a meaningful way to celebrate Holocaust Survivor Day, the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach recently held a special luncheon honoring our community's survivors. More than a dozen survivors volunteer at the Memorial throughout the year, sharing their personal stories with tens of thousands of visitors of all ages.

With many northern Israeli students falling behind in their studies due to the stress of ongoing rockets attacks, a Federation-supported program has enabled them to complete the school year.

“I’ve loved every moment so far,” said Birthright Israel participant Dani Waijman, who arrived on Monday with a Miami cohort for 10 adventure-packed days in Israel. Birthright Israel, a partner of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, pairs diverse members of Jewish communities with their Israeli peers for a truly immersive experience.

In honor of May’s Jewish American Heritage Month and Haitian Heritage Month, Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) came together with our Haitian partners during Miami’s 10 Days of Connection.