News from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

In the month since the collapse of Surfside’s Champlain Towers South, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has distributed approximately $525,000 in immediate financial aid to those affected by the disaster as they try to rebuild their lives in the uncertain days ahead.

Not long after Base Miami became a Federation partner, COVID-19 spread around the world, but even a pandemic couldn’t stop the success of the program and the inspiring duo behind it: Rabbi Adam Gindea and his wife Jessie.

How do we discuss Israel and engage with others about the complexities our homeland faces? This challenging task was the subject of a 16-month initiative sponsored by Makom, the Israel Education Lab of Federation overseas partner The Jewish Agency for Israel. Educators from Makom worked with residents and professionals from Moishe House, an international program that provides home-based Jewish experiences for young adults.

For the second year in a row, the Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) was named one of 50 best film festivals in the world in 2021 by Moviemaker magazine.

A hearty of Mazal Tov to Daniel Solomon for winning a 2021 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award for his commitment to social justice and volunteer service.

With the collapse of Champlain Towers South, those who were employed by the condo are experiencing a sudden loss of income and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is helping them get back on their feet.

Last week, 22 college-aged participants on Miami’s Onward Israel Summer Internship Program visited Federation’s partner city of Yerucham to learn about the relationship between the two communities.

Fathers and sons in Kiev, Ukraine are bonding while strengthening their Jewish identity through an innovative program sponsored by Federation overseas partner The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

Federation is looking for changemakers to help transform Jewish life. We are now accepting applications for three grant opportunities for 2022: Women’s Impact Initiative Grants, Jewish Incubator Grants and for the first time, Jewish Abilities Alliance Inclusion Grants.

The tragedy in Surfside has shown the heartfelt generosity and compassion of our community. Thanks to the support of nearly 8,000 donors, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has been able to offer immediate critical help.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation awarded $150,000 to 11 local organizations with initiatives supporting older adults, especially those who have experienced trauma.

The response to the Surfside tragedy has been overwhelming, proving that generosity and empathy extend far beyond geographical boundaries.

Because of the generosity of more than 7,000 caring people of all faiths from all over the globe, Federation is helping those directly affected by the Surfside Building Collapse. Federation — together with our partner agencies — is providing individuals and families with immediate support as they face the uncertainty of the days ahead.

As families of the missing continue their vigil in Surfside, I know there is not a single person of good will who doesn’t feel the urge to join with the community to offer support and solace to those who are suffering.