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Jun 28, 2022

UM Ryder South Trauma Center Director Connects his Ukraine Volunteer Efforts to Federation

Thanks to a generous grant from The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and a committed Miami trauma surgeon, individuals injured in Ukraine’s deadly war are receiving top-notch care. Within days of Russia’s invasion, Global Surgical Medical Support Group (GSMSG) arrived in Ukraine with a handful of the world's best critical care trauma surgeons and burn specialists. Among them was Dr. Enrique Ginzburg, Director of University of Miami Ryder South Trauma Center, who has on-the-ground experience in war zones and areas of mass destruction like Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Israel and Haiti, along with more than 20 years of experience training critical care trauma surgeons for international army and special operations placements. Dr. Ginzburg and Dr. Aaron Epstein, President of GSMSG,  helped launch the Visiting Surgeon Program in Ukraine. “Upon arrival, we began evaluating their needs, rounding with local doctors on difficult cases, lecturing — in-person and via Zoom — in our specific areas of expertise and meeting with high-level government officials including the Minister of Health and the mayor of Lviv,” said Dr. Ginzburg. “But without funding from JFNA, we would not be able to continue our work as directed by the Minster of Health.” Your donations to our Ukraine Emergency Fund go directly to JFNA to support these efforts. 

With a plan to rotate teams of US surgeons every two weeks who are experts in the fields of trauma surgery, orthopaedics and burn surgery, the program aims to share knowledge, best practices and technical expertise in equipment and supply usage. To date, GSMSG has trained more than 5,000 civilians and military personnel in Stop the Bleed and Tactical Combat Casualty Care. GSMSG volunteers are also helping develop a telemedicine infrastructure and consulting services for the region that can expand as necessary throughout the country. “The financial support of JFNA — our largest donor by far to date — will allow us to extend the program through the fall of 2022,” said Dr. Ginzburg. “We are immensely grateful.”

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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