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Apr 27, 2022

Hibuki Puppets Bring Comfort to Displaced Ukrainian Child

For nearly 20 years, Hibuki, a frowning stuffed puppy with extra-long, made-for-snuggling limbs, has brought comfort to more than 100,000 Israeli children traumatized by war, rocket explosions and terrorist attacks. Now this unique mental health tool, created by Federation overseas partner the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, is bringing relief to Ukrainian children running from war. Although the situations surrounding the children’s trauma are very different, their fears and anxieties are the same. As they bond with Hibuki, whose name loosely translates to “Huggy” in Hebrew, they project their feelings onto him and realize they aren’t alone. Soon enough, the children focus their attention on caring for the puppy rather than their own trauma. Numerous studies have proven the benefits of Hibuki in lessening the anxiety and depression in the children who receive them. While a puppet factory in Lviv has agreed to manufacture the puppets, in a remarkable act of chesed, Israeli parents are passing on their children’s Hibukis to a new group of children in need.

Federation Leaders Explore Jewish Life in Paris

Federation Leaders Explore Jewish Life in Paris

Last week, leaders from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation were among the hundreds of volunteers who took part in the annual Jewish Federations of North America campaign mission, this time to Paris, France.

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Emotional Support During the Israel-Iran War

Emotional Support During the Israel-Iran War

For years, Federation’s partner, the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), has provided emotional support for Israelis in the aftermath of terror attacks, so the nonprofit was able to quickly assist thousands when the war with Iran recently broke out.

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FVC: Paying it Forward This Summer

FVC: Paying it Forward This Summer

It’s been a busy summer for our Federation Volunteer Center (FVC), which has been collaborating with numerous community partners and engaging hundreds of Jewish Miamians in hands-on service projects.

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Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month and Federation’s Miami Jewish Abilities Alliance (MJAA) offers resources to help celebrate and support Jewish Miamians with disabilities.

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