ISRAEL DAY PARADE
IN NEW YORK CITY
We tripled turnout this year to march down Fifth Avenue in pride and solidarity. Thank you to partners and sponsors.*
As the war in Israel continues, we stand with the people of Israel and mourn the loss of life and suffering of innocents, while partnering with sister community, Kibbutz Gvar’am, to begin healing.
TOGETHER WITH GVAR’AM
• Fund youth-focused trauma support, education, and resilience programs
• Celebrate (virtually) holidays together
• PLANNING TO VISIT DURING SPRING 2026 MISSION
Even more than money, we need to know we are not alone. Kibbutz leadership
EXPANDED SUPPORT
TO
ESTABLISHED
BENEFICIARIES for youth and adults at risk served by seven partner agencies.
HOPE AMID HARDSHIP IN UKRAINE
After more than three years of war, we continue helping elderly Ukrainian Jews and provide Jewish teens a sense of purpose as they help others. 6,000+ displaced Jews have been supported with food, medicine, and trauma care.
I don’t make many plans. I may not wake up tomorrow, but I help others and that gives me hope.
Kataryna, teen leader
SECURITY LEADERSHIP STRENGTHENS THE WHOLE COMMUNITY
Increasing antisemitism makes communal security preparedness more pressing and complex than ever.
Security Initiatives:
• Advocated for Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds
• Coordinated security planning for organizations’ events
• Provided training and threat assessment support
• Updated the community on reporting suspicious behavior, and more
We secured the Tepper emergency grant* to protect preschoolers and campers under age six. Committing matching funds, we awarded grants to 21 partners.
* Ira & Terry Stein, Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Marlboro Jewish Center, Temple Beth Ahm, Yashar Lachayal, Yeshivat Netivot Montessori, and all the marchers from the Heart of NJ!
This protection allowed us to fully embrace the joy of camp. Thank you for making safety a top priority while preserving all the fun.
Sara H., parent
jewishheartnj.org | 732.588.1800 | @jewishheartnj
INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH TO NURTURE JOYFUL JEWISH FUTURES
FOLLOW OUR PJ LIBRARY
@pjlibrary_jewishheartnj
Immersive experiences foster lasting connections.
FEDERATION RUNS & FUNDS PJ LIBRARY
2,300+ children receive free books each month. 40 PJ events so far in 2025 deepened Jewish joy.
My daughter eagerly awaits her monthly PJ Library Book. The joy it brings is truly special, nurturing her love of reading and deepening her connection to Jewish values, traditions, and identity in such a warm, meaningful way.
Randi W., PJ mom
ISRAEL CULTUREFEST
brought together hundreds of young families to celebrate Israel and make happy Jewish memories.*
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP GRANTS
Federation continues to tailor resources for K-12 educators and students, and advocate with lawmakers for the needs in Jewish life.
CARMA* EDUCATED NEARLY 2,000 PEOPLE TO COMBAT HATE
We brought the Hate Ends Now Holocaust Education Cattle Car to 1,000+ students and 200+ community leaders from Freehold Regional and Marlboro schools to combat identity-based hate. Pre- and post-Cattle Car lessons included a high school trip to the Holocaust Museum in DC, where they spoke with a survivor and met with Congressional aids.
Making inroads in East Brunswick, Dr. Stacy Gallin spoke to 600+ sixth grade students on ways to recognize and reject antisemitism and other forms of identitybased hate.
JEWISH EDUCATION
DIRECTORS’ CONFERENCE
supported Hebrew school teachers in making students’ learning more positive, personal, and resonant.
* Thank you to partners Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Congregation Etz ChaimMonroe Twp Jewish Center, East Brunswick Jewish Center, Marlboro Jewish Center, Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel, Temple Beth Ahm, Temple B’nai Shalom, Temple Shaari Emeth, Temple Shalom of Aberdeen
STRENGTHENING ALLIANCES IN GOVERNMENT
We continue pressing for key state and federal bills—including the IHRA Bill defining antisemitism—and hosted a cohort of local officials to screen the film, October 8, about the explosion of antisemitism in our community.
I watched much of the ‘October 8’ film in stunned silence. It makes me more sympathetic to the concerns I see in my local Jewish community.
Highland Park Mayor, Elsie Foster
* CARMA Center to Combat Antisemitism and Reinforce Mutlicultural Acceptance was established by Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ in 2024.
