Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been the cornerstone of Jewish life in our region – supporting, sustaining and strengthening our community through times of hope and hardship. This digital timeline honors the milestones that shaped our story: moments of resilience, acts of generosity and an unwavering commitment to Jewish peoplehood, Israel and a vibrant future. From our founding to our emergency response following Oct. 7, this journey reflects how we have come together – Here as One – to build a more connected, compassionate and enduring Jewish community.
In 2026, we mark our 125th anniversary with a yearlong celebration honoring our legacy and looking ahead to the next 125 years. Through community events, storytelling, philanthropic initiatives and a renewed call to action, we are inviting all generations to help shape the Jewish future. Together, we reflect on all we have achieved – and all we have yet to do – to ensure our community continues to thrive locally, in Israel and around the world.
1901
Founding of Jewish Federation of Charities
The Jewish Federation of Charities, founded in 1901, was created to unify and coordinate the philanthropic efforts of several Jewish agencies. The Federation’s establishment aimed to streamline and coordinate the diverse philanthropic activities of Jewish organizations, focusing on providing support to impoverished immigrants, widows, orphans, and those facing hardships. The Federation initially brought together nine agencies, which included the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the United Jewish Charities, the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the Hebrew Shelter Home, the Home for Aged and Infirm Israelites, the Home for Jewish Orphans, the Jewish Board of Guardians, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Jewish Social Service Bureau. This initiative played a crucial role in the development of Jewish communal services in Greater Philadelphia.
1939
World War 2
During World War II, the Jewish Federation of Charities in Philadelphia played a key role in supporting Holocaust victims and survivors. It coordinated fundraising efforts for relief organizations like the United Jewish Appeal, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and Joint Distribution Committee, providing financial aid, food, medical care, and resettlement assistance. The Federation also helped survivors navigate U.S. immigration processes and offered social and psychological support to those recovering from trauma. Through these efforts, it was integral to helping Jewish survivors during and after the war.
1947
Israel’s War of Independence
During Israel’s 1948 War of Independence, the Jewish Federation of Charities in Philadelphia, like other U.S. Jewish federations, played a key role in supporting Israel. The Federation raised funds to meet Israel’s military and humanitarian needs, including purchasing weapons, medical supplies, and provisions. It also supported Jewish refugees arriving in Israel, providing essential services. Additionally, the Federation mobilized advocacy efforts, organizing rallies and events to raise awareness and encourage donations, contributing to the broader American Jewish effort to ensure Israel’s survival.
1948 Founding of Israel
In 1948, the Jewish Federation of Charities in Philadelphia supported the founding of Israel by fundraising for its economic development and humanitarian needs. It mobilized local Jewish communities to raise funds for the United Jewish Appeal, which helped Israel, especially after the War of Independence. The Federation also assisted Jewish immigrants in Israel with resources for housing, healthcare, and education. Additionally, it fostered solidarity with Israel through local events and rallies, emphasizing both financial and moral support for the new nation.
1957 Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia
In 1957, the Federation of Jewish Charities and the Allied Jewish Appeal merged their 26 constituent agencies to form the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia. This merger unified their efforts to support Jewish communities both locally and overseas. The newly formed organization combined resources to enhance social services, cultural programs, and humanitarian aid. Its mission focused on addressing the needs of Jewish individuals and families in the Philadelphia area while also providing vital support to Jewish communities abroad, including Israel and other countries facing hardship. The merger allowed for a more streamlined and effective approach to meeting the evolving needs of Jews locally and worldwide.
1964 Holocaust Memorial
In 1964, the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia helped establish the first U.S. Holocaust memorial, initially planned for Gratz College. The Federation and the Association of Jewish New Americans advocated for a central location to reach a wider audience. In 1966, they formed the Memorial Committee for the Six Million Martyrs to improve the sculpture’s impact and to promote interfaith dialogue and Holocaust education in Greater Philadelphia’s public schools. The committee also organized annual memorial services and vigils for political causes, including the oppression of Jewish communities in the Soviet Union and Syria (1972).
1967
The Six Day War
During Israel’s Six-Day War in 1967, the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia, alongside other U.S. Jewish federations, raised emergency funds through the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) to support Israel’s military needs, including weapons, medical supplies, and provisions for the Israeli Defense Forces. The Federation also helped families of soldiers and civilians affected by the conflict, as well as efforts to rebuild infrastructure and provide shelter for displaced individuals. By organizing fundraising campaigns and rallies, the Federation mobilized the local Jewish community, strengthening ties between Israel and Jews worldwide.
1970 Federation Housing
The Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia started Federation Housing in 1972 in collaboration with local Jewish organizations and community leaders. The initiative focused on providing safe and affordable housing options for elderly Jewish individuals, ensuring they had access to supportive services and a strong sense of community. This effort was part of the Federation’s broader mission to enhance the quality of life for Jewish residents in the region.
1973
Yom Kippur War
During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the Federation of Jewish Agencies in Greater Philadelphia mobilized the local Jewish community to raise funds for the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), providing Israel with military and humanitarian aid. The Federation also organized rallies and events to show solidarity with Israel, strengthening the bond between the two communities.
1989
Mission 1000
In 1989, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia launched Mission 1000 - led by Jewish Federation’s President, Miriam Schneirovan ambitious initiative to send 1,000 community members to Israel on a chartered El Al plane. The mission aimed to strengthen the connection between the local Jewish community and Israel, offering participants an opportunity to experience the country firsthand and engage with Israeli leaders, culture, and history. The goal was to deepen support for Israel’s security, prosperity, and global Jewish solidarity.
1990
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
In 1990, the Federation of Jewish Agencies in Greater Philadelphia changed its name to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. This name change was part of a reorganization effort to streamline its identity and better reflect its role as a central, unified body supporting the Jewish community. The new name emphasized the Federation’s broad responsibility for Jewish life, welfare, and charitable activities both locally and internationally, while strengthening its connection to the community it served.
1990s Soviet Jewry Movement
The collapse of the Soviet government in 1991 created an environment where Jews, who had long faced discrimination and anti-Semitism, saw an opportunity to leave for better prospects. The Federation was involved in advocacy efforts, lobbying the U.S. government and international organizations to pressure the Soviet Union to allow Jews to leave. Additionally, the Federation collaborated with groups like the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) to support the refugees’ transition to new lives. Joseph and Constance Smukler, prominent leaders in the Jewish community, were deeply involved in efforts to pressure the Soviet government to allow Jews to leave, and in organizing local initiatives to support these emigrants once they arrived in the United States.
1997
Founding of P2G with Netivot and Sdot Negev
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s P2G (Partnership2Gether) program, originally founded as Partnership 2000 (P2K), began in 1994 as part of a global initiative connecting Jewish communities around the world to strengthen relationships, share experiences, and foster mutual support. The Jewish Federation’s partnership region is Netivot and Sdot Negev. The program is a collaboration between the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Jewish Federation system, and its goal is to build partnerships between communities in Israel and Jewish communities in the Diaspora.
2003
Founding of the Kaiserman Ethiopian Cultural Center
Named for the Philadelphia philanthropist who was an early Western advocate for Ethiopian Jewish aliyah, Samuel S. Kaiserman, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia founded the Kaiserman Ethiopian Cultural Center in 2003 to support the local Ethiopian Jewish community. Located in Netivot in Israel, the center provides cultural, educational, and social services to help Ethiopian Jews integrate into Israeli society while preserving their heritage. It serves as a hub for cultural events and community programs, reflecting the Federation’s commitment to supporting diverse Jewish communities.
2008 Overnight Camp Incentive Program
In 2008, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia launched the Overnight Camp Incentive Program to encourage Jewish families to send their children to Jewish overnight camps. The program provided financial assistance to make the experience more accessible, aiming to strengthen Jewish identity and community connections. Through grants, the Federation helped reduce tuition costs for eligible children, promoting lasting memories, relationships, and a deeper understanding of Jewish values. This initiative was part of the Federation’s efforts to support Jewish engagement and continuity for future generations.
2009
The Jewish Community Population Study
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, in conjunction with its community partners, sponsored the 2009 Jewish Population Study of Greater Philadelphia to help further its commitment to enhancing the vitality of the local Jewish community through strengthening Jewish education, meeting human service needs (especially those of the economically vulnerable) and providing support for Israel and Jews worldwide. Over 1,200 Jewish households were surveyed for the study, which represented the first
2018
Interfaith Vigil of Solidarity and Hope
In the wake of the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia played a vital role in honoring the victims and supporting the Pittsburgh Jewish community. The Federation organized vigils, memorial services, and fundraising efforts to express solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Pittsburgh community.
2018 Mission to Israel for Israel’s 70th Anniversary
In 2018, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia organized a mission to Israel with the Philadelphia Orchestra to celebrate Israel’s 70th anniversary. The mission included a historic performance by the Orchestra in Tel Aviv, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and showcased Israel’s vibrant arts scene. Participants also had the chance to engage with Israeli leaders and experience the country’s culture and history firsthand. This mission strengthened cultural ties and fostered support for Israel through community-building and cultural exchange.
2023
Israel 75
In 2023, in honor of Israel’s 75th anniversary, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia hosted four community-wide events: a Community Mitzvah Day, Shabbat Gatherings, a Taste of Israel Festival and an Israel 75 Mission, co-Chaired by Jewish Federation volunteers and community leaders Margie Honickman and Tamar Silberberg Shiffman.
2023
October 7th Terrorist Attack in Israel
In the wake of the terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia spearheaded recovery efforts through the Philly Stands with Israel Emergency Campaign, raising over $30 million to provide crucial support for the Jewish homeland during these challenging months. Federation offered vital assistance to those affected by the atrocities of October 7 and the subsequent war, bolstering security, facilitating the rebuilding of communities, and delivering life-saving services. These essential funds supported innovative programs and revitalized communities, including kibbutzim—village-level cooperatives with shared land and production resources—devastated by the attacks.
2024
Ongoing Support and Emergency Response to War
Following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks and the ensuing war, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia continued to lead a powerful communitywide response, offering unwavering support to Israel and its people.
Through the Philly Stands with Israel Emergency Campaign — surpassing $16 million — the Jewish Federation has provided sustained aid, from trauma care and housing to rebuilding devastated kibbutzim. The campaign’s longevity reflects a steadfast commitment to standing with Israel and ensuring a secure, vibrant Jewish future, even in times of profound crisis.
2024
Founding of the New Golden Age with Culture Changing Christians
In 2024, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia helped launch the New Golden Age, an unprecedented alliance with Culture Changing Christians. This historic partnership promotes mutual understanding, healing and a commitment to moral leadership in a fractured world. By fostering cross-faith collaboration, the initiative marks a new chapter in the Jewish Federation’s bridge-building efforts — rooted in dialogue, unity and a shared responsibility to confront antisemitism and hate.
2025
Announcement of Jewish Community Foundation
In 2025, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia introduced the Jewish Community Foundation, a bold step forward in growing the community’s endowment and securing its future. Built on a legacy of generosity and vision, the Foundation empowers donors to make lasting impact through strategic, values-driven philanthropy. With a focus on long-term sustainability and Jewish continuity, this milestone ensures the community can meet evolving needs for generations to come.
2025
Founding of the Center to Combat Antisemitism
Amid rising antisemitism worldwide, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia founded the Center to Combat Antisemitism in 2025. The Center serves as a hub for education, advocacy, rapid response and coalition-building. Drawing on community partnerships, legal expertise, and strategic communications, the Center equips Jewish institutions, students, and allies with tools to stand up against hate. This initiative reaffirms the Jewish Federation’s enduring mission: to protect and empower the Jewish people, wherever they are.
