News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

In advance of the first night of Chanukah, clients of Jewish Community Services of South Florida Kosher Food Bank (KFB) are receiving grocery gift cards along with their regular food packages, allowing them to add something special to their holiday celebrations.

Twenty-one Miami-area mayors, vice mayors and community leaders attended the 3rd Annual Standing Strong Together Against Antisemitism Press Conference, hosted by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council.

A Federation Women’s Amutot Initiative grantee is addressing the increase in domestic violence in Israel since October 7 with a special canine protection program. Dedicated to combating violence against women, the Michal Sela Forum responded to the 65 percent rise in incidents since the war began by providing guard dogs to survivors of domestic violence.

The Friendship Circle has a beautiful new home in South Dade, following the grand opening of the Friendship Campus earlier this month. More than 1,000 members of the community, including many elected officials, attended the opening ceremony on the new 20,000-square-foot campus, now home to both the Friendship Circle and Chabad Center of Kendall/Pinecrest.

Birthright Israel Onward is your chance to spend eight weeks this summer living like a local and immersing yourself in contemporary Israeli life, while building your resume, gaining professional experience and exploring everything Israel has to offer.

Since the October 7 terrorist attacks, Federation has deepened its support of Youth Futures, specifically in our partnership city of Yerucham, Israel. A longtime Federation partner, Youth Futures empowers teens to serve as role models and helps at-risk families flourish.

Make your Federation support count even more with a year-end contribution to the Annual Campaign. These are trying times for the Jewish people and your donation by December 31 will enable us to amplify our efforts to sustain Jewish life in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries worldwide.

Amidst a staggering surge of worldwide antisemitism, renowned Israel and Jewish advocates Michael Rapaport, Bari Weiss and Dan Senor will participate in a panel discussion at The Main Event of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation on Sunday, February 2 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Eshel, a recipient of a Federation Jewish Incubator Grant, was recently featured in the Miami Herald for their advocacy and inclusion work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ Orthodox community.

Not only is Jewish overnight summer camp one of the most meaningful experiences a child can have, but it also helps create a strong, positive and long-lasting Jewish identity. Recognizing this pivotal time in a young adult’s life, Federation offers two opportunities to help offset tuition costs for Miami-Dade County residents: One Happy Camper and Jewish Overnight Summer Camp scholarships.

With Federation’s help, the first of 16 community-based mental health centers in Israel has officially opened, providing much-needed services to more than 200,000 people annually and allowing them to get help without the stigma associated with mental illness.

We’re counting down to the end of 2024, which means there are only a few more weeks remaining to take advantage of year-end giving! Your donation to the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation Campaign by December 31 enables you to sustain our Israeli family, fight antisemitism, secure our community’s Jewish institutions and engage the next generation of Jewish leaders, while supporting other Jewish needs in Miami, Israel and in more than 70 other countries worldwide.

Take part in Israel Day at the Florida Capitol with Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council. Jewish Miami is taking over the Capitol March 25-26! Join Florida Federations and the Israeli Consulate for two days in Tallahassee. Participants will hear from high-level experts on Israel, antisemitism, education and tech.

Eden Golan, Israel’s celebrated 2024 Eurovision contestant, and Reggae superstar Matisyahu will perform at The Main Event of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation on Sunday, February 2 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Thousands of participants came together in Ofakim, Israel earlier this month for the first “Running for the Heroes” race through Mashiv HaRuach, a Federation-funded initiative focused on building resilience, healing and sustainable recovery in frontline communities since October 7.

Join Jewish Miami on Sunday, February 2 at The Main Event of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Loews Miami Beach, 1601 Collins Avenue. Now more than ever, we need to come together as one people and show we are Jewish Miami Proud!

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center bought together more than 600 volunteers to help Miami’s vulnerable residents have a happy holiday. The program, now in its 16th year, was held twice — once at the Michael-Ann Russell JCC for North Dade residents and again at Temple Beth Am for individuals and families living in South Dade.

Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund (IEF), which raised more than $30 million, is directing critical medical and trauma relief resources to strengthen the resilience of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservists impacted by the war.