Dear Friend,
The families of the victims of the July 4th massacre remain in our hearts as we grieve together with the community in Highland Park, Illinois and the Jewish United Fund of Chicago. Please read this message of deep condolence from Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Board Chair Julie Platt.
We were profoundly disturbed this week by the event at the Kotel in which protesters violently disrupted the bar mitzvah of an American boy that was taking place on the Ezrat Yisrael egalitarian platform. Please read JFNA’s letter to Prime Minister Yair Lapid, which was also signed by the Jewish Agency for Israel, World Zionist Organization, and Support Israel-Keren Hayesod UIA, calling on the Israeli government to ensure that all Jews feel safe and welcome in Israel.
Nate Looney, a new member of JFNA’s Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Team, was profiled this week in the Associated Press as a black Jewish leader who is building community. The article has been picked up by hundreds of local papers in multiple languages, and we are very excited for this important national initiative!
After four months of fighting in Ukraine, Russia is tightening its grip on the eastern part of the country. Please click here for an update from JFNA’s Israel office on the latest developments on the ground in Ukraine, including efforts by Federations and our partners. Relatedly, the Philanthropy News Digest featured our system’s multi-pronged response to the Ukrainians’ humanitarian needs.
In addition to all that is happening in our Federation system and around the world, we are proud of all that we continue to accomplish and provide in our local community as well. You can see more about local upcoming events by visiting our Community Calendar any time!
Please be in touch with ideas, questions, and comments. I look forward to hearing from you!
Shabbat shalom,
