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Network News - Spring 2023
A Message from Simone Knego
These past months have been very busy for the Network of Independent Communities. As chair of the Network, I am thrilled to report that the 2022 Network Campaign raised $4.6 million. Donors in over 70 of our Network communities responded generously to the Ukraine Emergency Campaign, raising nearly $1 million for that effort.
A Message from Edward Finkel
I'm privileged to extend greetings as Managing Director for the Network of Independent Communities. I have the amazing opportunity to assist small communities that connect thousands of Jews across the U.S. No matter which community you live in, Jewish Federations are there for you, and I'm honored to serve as your point of contact.
Know Someone who Should Attend Jewish Overnight Camp for the First Time? Apply Now for Special Grant Funding
Families from small Jewish communities can apply for grants of up to $1,500 through the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s One Happy Camper program. This incentive program, aimed specifically at first-time campers, has been making Jewish summer camp a reality for children and teens from Network communities across the country. With a One Happy Camper Grant, campers can attend the Jewish overnight camp of their choice. Applications for this grant are available now.
Keeping Jewish Communities Safe and Secure
LiveSecure is Jewish Federations’ comprehensive effort to ensure that every Jewish institution in North America—including synagogues, summer camps, and cemeteries—is protected. This initiative, for which $62 million has been raised, is making security resources and trainings accessible for every Jewish community through a matching grant program. Special attention is being paid to address the security needs of Network communities. Find out how you can make a difference.
Spotlight on Israel & Overseas
One Year of War in Ukraine: The Impact of Jewish Federations
For Ukrainian Jews, the past year has been nearly unendurable. But they are comforted to know that the North American Jewish community is there for them. Since the conflict began, the Network of Independent Communities has raised nearly $1 million for humanitarian aid and relief for Ukrainians.
A Special Campaign to Reunite Ethiopian Families in Israel
Jewish Federations have initiated a $9 million campaign to bring another group of Ethiopians to Israel, reuniting them with close family members from whom they have been separated for as long as 20 years. The Network is already playing a leading role, contributing $750,000 to this fundraising effort from unrestricted annual campaign funds.
From Our Global Partners
The Jewish Agency for Israel: Bringing Ukrainian refugees home to Israel. Read more.
JDC: Delivering trauma support and Passover assistance in Ukraine. Read more.
World ORT: In Ukraine, providing education and humanitarian support in a war zone; in Gondar, Ethiopia, teaching job skills to prepare students for the modern professional world. Read more.
Jewish Federations Response to Judicial Reform Controversy
Jewish Federations are deeply engaged with the issue of judicial reform in Israel. We welcomed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement on March 27 that he will suspend legislative consideration of judicial reform measures for the time being, and we encourage all Knesset factions to use this time to build a consensus that includes the broad support of Israeli civil society.
Jewish Federations Fight Antisemitism in Response to a Disturbing Increase
The recently released Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reported the highest number of incidents since ADL began tracking in 1979. According to the audit, white supremacists are driving this huge spike. In response, Jewish Federations are raising public awareness, advocating for legislation, promoting tolerance, and supporting the victims of the antisemitic actions.
Join the Advocacy Corps – Let Your Jewish Community’s Voice Be Heard in Washington
If you aspire to effect meaningful change by advocating for the Jewish community on critical issues, you are invited to join Jewish Federations’ Advocacy Corps. As an Advocacy Corps member, you will be informed about bills and other pressing matters, and you’ll receive training that will enable you to present the needs and concerns of the Jewish community to elected officials and broader society.
Advocacy Corps members include Network leaders Bryan Goldberg (Knoxville, TN), Mary Beth Leibowitz (Knoxville, TN), Marc Silverstein (Cape Cod, MA), André Tarraf (Treasure Coast, FL), and Elliott Weinstein (York, PA). We encourage you to join them—it’s especially critical for elected officials to hear from representatives of communities with smaller Jewish populations. Over the past year, Advocacy Corps members have been instrumental in increasing funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect Jewish institutions, in sending immediate aid to Ukraine in the early days of the Russian invasion, and more. To learn more, contact Seth Lipkin or visit jfeds.org/joinadvocacycorps.
Around the Network
Welcome to
Charlottesville!
What does a vibrant small Jewish community look like? Charlottesville wants to show you! Its leaders, like the leaders of every Network community, know it’s up to each one of them to make things happen. “When you know success is dependent on your actions, it’s really empowering, “ says Dan Derby, United Jewish Fund of Charlottesville chair. “We are creating a model of what a highly-engaged Jewish community can look like in a small town.”
Network Leader Signs Jewish Future Pledge
André Tarraf, Jewish Federations leader and Treasure Coast Jewish Federation founder and president, has signed the Jewish Future Pledge. This worldwide movement is inspiring Jews of all backgrounds to promise to leave at least half of their charitable estate to organizations that support the Jewish community. When asked why he is committed to a Jewish future, André responded, “L’dor V’dor – from generation to generation.”
This Passover, let’s add a fifth question as we gather around the Seder table: What can I do to repair the world?
The Jewish Federations and our global partners continue helping millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes, communities and country. In Turkey, we and our global partners are providing life-saving rescue and relief with caring hands of help and hope. We are reuniting Ethiopian Jewish families who have been separated for 20 years.
You can be part of all of these stories of rescue. Your generous support of the Jewish Federations’ Annual Campaign will bring comfort to the most vulnerable in our Jewish community and beyond. Help make this Passover different from all others.
Give now to make a life-changing gift online today.
P.S. Sharing a special Passover message from HaZamir Dimona, our Partnership community high school teen choir. Watch and enjoy!
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