News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

For more than a decade, Federation’s Hebrew Free Loan Association of Miami (HFLA) has provided interest-free loans to would-be parents for fertility treatments. Now, Jewish individuals and families will have even more resources available to them through the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF).

“Even in these dark times, Beit Dan creates a completely different, happy and meaningful life for our kids and for all of us,” said one parent at the Beit Dan JCC in Kharkiv, Ukraine, as preparations were underway for last week’s Shavuot celebration.

Recently, Andrey Kozlov, a participant in the Federation-funded Masa Israel Journey program who was rescued on June 8 after eight months of captivity by Hamas, met with Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel.

The 7th Annual South Florida Jewish Day School Robotics Festival, which took place in May, engaged 215 students from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties in a dynamic competition advancing innovation and cooperation in education.

Diller Teen Fellows, a pluralistic and immersive leadership program that invites a select group of Jewish teens to step up, lead their communities and repair the world, is now accepting applications for their next cohort that will take place during the academic year 2024-2025.

June 1 marked the beginning of hurricane season and Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) is here to help in case a storm threatens. You can join the 2024 JVC Emergency Response Team (JVERT) to support our community if a disaster strikes. JVERT is seeking volunteers with a “can-do” attitude who can help remove debris, deliver meals, visit the homebound, provide comfort and more in the event of a weather emergency.

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the alarming rise in worldwide antisemitism, students around the globe are in need of assistance, not only to process the horrific events but also to clarify the current landscape and how to best defend our Jewish homeland.

According to the ADL, antisemitism has surged 337 percent in the US following the barbaric events of October 7. Online Jew hatred is even worse, with the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism reporting a 500 percent increase in antisemitism on fringe social platforms.

“Being in Israel now could not feel more right,” said Alon Labock, one of 26 college students in the Onward Israel summer internship program who participated last weekend in a Shabbaton in Federation’s partner city of Yerucham. “Seeing how the people here balance their day during a time of war has been very inspiring,” he noted. The group, consisting of students from Miami and Los Angeles, spent Shabbat becoming acquainted with the residents of Yerucham, its history and multifaceted culture.

Don’t miss your last chance to participate in the Miami-Dade Jewish Community Study! “Every 10 years, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation invests in a comprehensive study to understand the changing needs of the Miami Jewish community,” explained Bobby Gilbert, Federation Board member and Chair of the Community Study Committee.

Only a few spots remain for this Sunday's special learning opportunity with Mishkan Miami in advance of Shavuot. Commemorating the giving of the Torah to the Jewish People, Shavuot is traditionally observed by exploring Jewish texts and enjoying dairy products to honor Israel as the land of milk and honey.

Is your teen looking to make a difference this summer? Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) is offering high schoolers ages 15 and older the chance to participate in a Volunteer Teen Mission for one week in Israel, July 7-15.

Yerucham Mayor Nili Aharon, who was elected mayor in March, visited Federation, as well as a local synagogue, Jewish day school, Jewish community center and the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, and met with Federation’s Israel and Overseas Committees and Israeli Division.

Jewish American Heritage Month wraps up today, and as we are witnessing an unprecedented global rise in antisemitism and hate, it is especially important to highlight the diversity and vibrancy of our Jewish community, including here in Miami-Dade County.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation installed new volunteer leadership at the 86th Annual Meeting, chaired by Debbie and David Mendal on May 30, and changes in professional leadership were announced. Lily Serviansky was installed as Chair of the Board, Mojdeh Khaghan Danial was appointed General Campaign Chair and Federation installed our 2024-2025 Officers, Board of Directors, Life Trustee and Council of Jewish Organization members.

LGBTQ+ Israelis struggling with trauma following the atrocities of October 7 are receiving vital support from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and our partners on the ground through the collective Jewish Federations of North America Israel Emergency Fund.

Come together with your community to celebrate Pride Month this June. In partnership with BeWell Miami, the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education, Keshet, Miami Jewish Film Festival, The Hub at Temple Beth Am and other local Jewish organizations, Federation is convening our community to bring attention to Jewish LGBTQ+ identity in conjunction with mental health awareness through a screening of The Holy Closet.

As the Israel-Hamas war approaches its eighth month, Federation is continuing to provide financial support to meet a variety of needs on the ground in Israel. Thanks to hundreds of generous donors from our community and beyond, our Israel Emergency Fund (IEF) has raised nearly $30 million.