News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

“The effectiveness of Federation support in the current war in Israel is actually a product of October 7,” noted Federation’s Representative in Israel Ofer Lichtig.

As a result of Federation funding, our partner city of Yerucham, Israel, is already reaping the benefits of its recently renovated Emergency Operations Center (EOC). According to Yerucham Mayor Nili Aharon, Federation’s support significantly enhanced the scope of the project.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is helping Israelis affected by the current conflict with Iran with an emergency grant to the Fund for Victims of Terror (FVOT).

In the immediate aftermath of Iran’s attack, Federation’s partners on the ground began deploying emergency response services and mental health resources to impacted Israelis. More than 1,700 pounds of essentials, including clothing, toiletries, and even mishloach manot (goodie bags) and costumes for Purim, were delivered to evacuees from hard-hit Beit Shemesh who are currently staying in Jerusalem hotels.

Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its JCRC support the joint United States and Israeli military actions in Iran and stands firmly behind the brave members of the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces carrying them out. We pray for the safety of the Iranian people who have suffered under a murderous regime for 47 years, and for the Israeli people who are now under attack by the same regime. We are tracking the war in real time and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting our extended family in Israel in every way we can.

Federation continues to address the urgent mental health needs of young IDF veterans of October 7 through the Metiv Peace of Mind (POM) program. Nearly 3,000 conscripts, ages 18-21, were among the first to respond to the Hamas invasion, engaging in close combat and witnessing horrific scenes of civilian slaughter.

Federation offers $1,000 scholarships to campers attending Jewish overnight summer camps for the first time. In partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp and Jewish overnight camps across North America, Federation provides need-blind grants of up to $1,000 to families with first-time campers attending nonprofit, mission-driven Jewish overnight summer camps.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago, which displaced more than 5.3 million people across Europe, Federation has been there with vital humanitarian support. Together with Jewish Federations across North America, more than $100 million has been allocated to provide both emergency and long-term care for individuals and families needing to resettle and those forced to remain behind.

Join Jewish Miami at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation on March 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., for our largest fundraising day of the year. The phonathon benefits our Annual Campaign, which enables us to support Jewish needs in Miami, Israel and 70 other countries. South Dade residents can join us at our satellite location at Alper JCC Miami from 10 a.m. to noon.

October 7 forever changed the lives of millions of Israelis, but the Federation-funded Back on Track Employment Rehabilitation program is helping many build resilience — and new careers. Omer Rafaeli, a psychology and civics teacher at the only high school in the Gaza Envelope, evacuated to Eilat with his young family in the wake of the attacks.

Nearly 2 million Israelis — about 20 percent of the State’s population — live with a disability. Federation supports nonprofits that assist Israelis of all ages with disabilities beyond the month of February — Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM).

Longtime Federation supporters Diane and Howard Schilit were recently recognized for their generous gift to the University of Florida (UF) Hillel. “I want the staff to have resources they need to do the amazing job they are doing,” said Diane, a UF alumna and current UF Hillel Board member.

Join your Jewish community in volunteering on Super Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and show you are Jewish Miami Strong. Bring your phone, your family and your friends to Federation and help raise funds to support our Jewish family worldwide.

A new year often means starting from scratch, but not at The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, where endowed gifts distribute millions of dollars at the start of every Annual Campaign cycle.

Is antisemitism the new normal? Will the Surge — a marked increase in Jewish engagement — continue? Join an esteemed panel on Thursday, March 5 for an enlightening discussion on these topics during Rising for Resilience: Combating Antisemitism in Miami and Beyond.

“Our visit offered the connection to Israel that American Jews dream about,” said Michael Moss, whose Israel trip through the Miami-Yerucham partnership included a meaningful visit to Federation’s partner city.

Last week, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the NAACP brought a diverse group of 15 teenagers to Tallahassee for a special Advocacy Day.

February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM), but Federation's Miami Jewish Abilities Alliance (MJAA) works year-round to advocate for people with disabilities and their families.