Dear Friend,
Four Israelis were tragically killed this week in a terrorist attack and four others were injured. Jewish Federations sent this message of condolences to the families of Nahman Shmuel (17), Harel Masoud (21) , Elisha Entman (18) and Ofer Feirman (63). See details about the victims here and see our national Israel office’s backgrounder about the attack and its violent aftermath here.
Jewish Federations’ new Ukraine Response Task Force, chaired by David Heller, began its work this week. Click here to read the latest updates on Federations’ collective response in Ukraine. Register here for JDC’s live Briefing on the Ukraine Crisis on Wednesday, June 28 at noon ET.
Just days after the House passed HR 377, which called for the immediate release of jailed Jewish journalist Evan Gershkovich, a Russian court denied his latest appeal, meaning that he will remain in the dismal, high-security Lefortovo prison in Moscow. Jewish Federations are closely monitoring this situation and will continue efforts to secure his release.
Also this week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security advanced a $10 million increase to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). In our statement on the legislation, we collectively expressed our gratitude to the subcommittee and to its chairman, Dave Joyce (R-OH). Jewish Federations will continue to advocate for the program to be funded at $360 million so that every house of worship and other nonprofit organization will be safe and secure.
Josh Schoenberg, a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet from Delaware, wrote this week in the Jerusalem Post about the recent inspiring and educational Cabinet Mission to Eastern Europe. To read the article, click here.
Locally, we look forward to sharing more about the work of our constituent agencies, whose essential programs and services provide for the needs of our Jewish community here in Western Massachusetts, in Israel, and around the world. If you haven’t yet given to the 2023 Annual Campaign, it’s not too late to make your donation now by clicking the button below:
In honor of Juneteenth, join Zioness and Jewish Federations’ JEDI Initiative for Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on Monday, June 26 from 8-9 pm ET, for a presentation by Black and Jewish educator Raven Schwam-Curtis, who will be speaking on the origins of this important holiday. The discussion will explore the historical significance of Juneteenth, as well as best practices for honoring these histories without exploiting Black trauma. Register here.
Shabbat shalom,
