2022 Review & 2023 Outlook

Antisemitism climbs — and moves closer to home

Rising antisemitism hit home in 2022, with incidents from Edison, Old Bridge, New Brunswick, and South Brunswick to Aberdeen, Deal, Howell, Manalapan, and many other towns. Federation pushed back on bias and threats through

• ADVOCACY and

•

SECURITY INITIATIVES

Our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) put the needs of Jews in front of federal, state, and local lawmakers through working meetings and missions to Washington, multicultural alliances, training advocates, testimony before Congress and NJ’s Legislature, and drafting language for bills addressing antisemitism and security.

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS:

NJ’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program became permanent, ensuring synagogues, JCCs, and Jewish schools, cultural centers, and agencies can continue to pursue funds for security improvements. Funding was increased to $5M.

Federal Nonprofit Security Grant funds rose from $180M to $270M for FY22 and $305M for FY23.

The Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act was funded at $5M for FY22 and $10M for FY23, giving law enforcement better resources to identify and punish those who commit hate crimes.

IN PROGRESS:

In 2022, we began working with Senator Vin Gopal (NJ-11) to improve Holocaust and genocide education in NJ public schools. Together, we drafted S3145; it passed the Senate Education Committee in December — an important first step. We will continue advocating for S3145 and its counterpart NJ Assembly bill, A4720, to ensure an appropriate and uniform curriculum is taught statewide.

As our JCRC and Security teams continued scheduling neighborhood, synagogue, and other small group briefings on hate-based threats — with talks scheduled in Monroe, Red Bank, and East Brunswick through Feb., 2023...

IN 2022, JEWISH FEDERATION SECURITY INITIATIVES:

• guided 140+ Jewish institutions on obtaining security grants

• provided specific application input for more than 20

• helped bring another $3.5M for security enhancements to our community, making the total $11.5M to date

• facilitated Blue Sky Day meetings between local law enforcement and Jewish leaders to strengthen relationships and preparedness before an emergency occurs

• provided access to security training and assessments for hundreds of communal leaders — and more

LEADERS’ ALERT SYSTEM: KEY IN RESPONSE TO THREAT

On Nov. 3, 2022, the FBI warned the Jewish community of a threat to synagogues in NJ; we later learned it was HERE in our “heart of NJ” counties.

Immediately, our Director of Security Initiatives contacted law enforcement; activated the community-wide Leaders’ Alert System; coordinated between organizations, law enforcement, and private security providers; and advised the broader community through broadcast and social media.

War in Ukraine presses on

When war began in Ukraine Feb. 24, 2022, it sparked one of the worst humanitarian crises of our age.

Federation was there on Feb. 24 — moving people to safety and caring for those unable to flee — because we were there Feb. 23 and 22 and for 40 years prior, helping build Jewish life in the former Soviet Union. On Feb. 24, that all became the foundation for crisis response in Ukraine, the region, and Israel:

• Setting up hotlines connecting 400,000+ calls

• Evacuating 82,000+ people

• Providing healthcare to 138,000+ people

• Serving meals to 265,000+ people

• Helping 34,000+ people make aliya to Israel

• Delivering 2.7M pounds of clothing and hygiene supplies

• Providing vital necessities to 42,900 refugees

• Sustaining Jews: 19,000 elderly and 2,700 poor children

Federation operates the Leaders’ Alert System to improve emergency coordination and response. All Jewish communal leaders are strongly encouraged to participate. Contact info@jewishheartnj.org.

Needs among Jews from Ukraine and Russia continue to evolve, including to establish lives in Israel. Federation will be with them in 2023 and beyond.

In 2023, Jews the world over celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel. Be part of it.

So does our humanitarian aid

Jewish Federation’s decisive action makes a difference

Investing in today’s youth for a strong Jewish future

In 2022, as ‘pandemic mode’ eased for many, Federation re-engaged more young people and their families — hungry to connect in person.

FUN IS SERIOUS BUSINESS:

Because feel-good experiences are proven most effective in inspiring and empowering youth to embrace Jewish life, Federation in 2022: • renewed support for Jewish camp, PJ Library live happenings, and teen Israel trips

• revisted the conversation about ‘affordability’ of teen Israel trips, promoting partnership with Root One

• enlisted new PJ Library ambassadors engaging young families in making happy Jewish memories together

• added more teen volunteer opportunities by expanding J-SERVE to multiple teen mitzvah days

PJ Library and J-SERVE events drew record attendance.

NEW SCHOLARSHIP REWARDS EXEMPLARY SERVICE:

In 2022, Federation and the Kroll family announced The Ruth Kroll Scholarship recognizing young Jewish women aged 16 to 19 who make an exceptional difference in our community.

The grant, to be awarded in 2023, is intended to encourage the recipient to continue her commitment to tikkun olam.

We thank the Kroll family. We are honored to join them in perpetuating Ruth’s memory and values while investing in a strong Jewish future.

In Dec. 2022, after three+ years with no local news reflecting the entire Jewish community, readers in Monmouth and Greater Middlesex welcomed Jlife monthly digital magazine. Jlife presents uplifting Jewish lifestyle content to help people connect to Jewish community and each other in positive ways.

Review & Outlook from Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey 2022 Highlights & 2023 Look Ahead

• Many people have cast off COVID mindset and are hungry to gather in person; others are still recovering financially

• Antisemitism poses new threats close to home

• War in Ukraine continues; human toll mounts

• Israel turns 75 — and much more

Together, we are making a difference.

This is not Federation’s magazine. We helped the community and Jlife’s publishers find each other and we are proud to support Jlife’s successful launch to strengthen

life in the heart of

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