Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ 2023 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

As 2023 was coming to an end, many in the Jewish community had all but forgotten life before October 7, with our world view consumed by supporting Israelis impacted by war and protecting our local community from antisemitism.

At Federation, we had not forgotten; we could never forget. We had commitments to local partners caring for the elderly and Holocaust survivors, people with special needs and mental health concerns… commitments to youth and their programs that are the life’s blood of the Jewish future – programs like PJ Library, camp grants, and teen volunteerism…

In the midst of Israel Emergency Response, we were still carrying out commitments to members of our extended Jewish family who fled the Ukraine war and were starting to rebuild their lives, many in Israel.

We could never forget all the moments our community needed a unified effort on behalf of Jews and Jewish life, whether excitedly planning Israel independence celebrations, committing to community-wide learning about legacy giving or Hebrew school teaching for a strong Jewish future, rallying on behalf of Holocaust survivors, or redoubling security after an antisemitic attack in another state or a threat nearby.

We have been there for life’s important moments and, with your help, must continue to be.

Federation is there the moment a preschooler safely attends children’s services and hears the blast of the shofar. We’re there behind the kosher meal delivered by a friendly visitor to a homebound senior. We’re there when teens sing and dance together after Shabbat dinner at camp.

We’re there the moment a neurodiverse child attempts a new skill surrounded by caring friends… on back-to-school night when public school parents see Holocaust education on the syllabus… with a cemetery plot when a family can’t afford a Jewish burial… funding an interest-free loan for a couple struggling to build a Jewish family...

That moment each year when you decide to make your Jewish Federation Annual Campaign gift, you make these other moments possible.

The countless individuals whose lives we have saved and improved and connected and inspired — together — they may never know your name, but they will never forget that somebody cared, Federation and its supporters and its partners cared, the Jewish community cared, and together we made Jewish life more supportive and connected, more

vibrant, safer, stronger, and more resilient to the challenges we have overcome, the challenges we face now, and the challenges we must stay ready for in the future.

Thanks to your Federation support, we were there in 2023 in the moments when individuals and organizations needed us most.

In this 2023 Annual Report, we invite you to reflect on those and all the moments that meant most to you this unforgettable year.

B’shalom,

Susan Antman Executive Director

Murray Katz President

Antisemitism

Even before the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and ensuing war spiked antisemitism nearly 400%, it was already at record highs.

Throughout 2023, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) continued to put the needs of Jews in front of federal, state, and local lawmakers and galvanized representatives from every part of the Jewish community to pursue immediate, incidentbased and long-term solutions.

With the JCRC and our Security Initiatives, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ was uniquely positioned among Jewish organizations in Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties to address the rise in hate with the local focus, fundraising, reach, relationships, and expertise needed to lead a multi-pronged offensive against the bias and threats affecting all Jews and Jewish organizations in our area.

ADVOCACY

Our government relations work comprised meetings with elected officials; missions to Trenton; advocate training; coordination with security, public safety, and law enforcement contacts; legislative testimony; and drafting language for bills addressing bias and security.

This led to New Jersey’s adopting a new law (A4720) to begin improving Holocaust and genocide education in public K-12 schools. Federation first introduced the idea to Senator Vin Gopal, NJ Senate Education Chair, in 2022, then throughout 2023, provided language and stewardship leading to passage.

A4720 is an important step to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency in Holocaust and

genocide education by helping the NJ Commission on Holocaust Education provide educators and school districts with appropriate professional development, tools, and resources.

To date, over 120 districts have taken the bill’s initial requisite action. Hundreds more said they do not have the resources to comply.

MORE ADVOCACY IS NEEDED TO REALIZE THE LAW’S POTENTIAL

In September, Dan Rozett, Director of Community Relations and Israel Engagement, and Alan Brodman, JCRC member and 30-year veteran educator, testified at the NJ Board of Education about the need for this law. Efforts are ongoing.

ADDITIONAL IMPACT IN 2023:

• Provided direction and resources to educators and student families when incidents occurred at school

• Met with Rutgers administration and educators, community leaders, lawmakers, and law enforcement on handling of bias at Rutgers

• NJ’s FY23 budget increased funds for the state Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) by $2M

• NJ’s FY24 budget included $215 per pupil in nonpublic schools for security, an increase to better protect students, staff, and facilities

• Federal NSGP was funded at $305M, up from $270M

• Federal Jabara-Heyer No Hate Act was funded at $10M for FY23, up from $5M for FY22, giving law enforcement better resources to identify and punish those who commit hate crimes.

PROVIDING LEADERSHIP, CLARITY, COURSES OF ACTION

SMALL GROUP BRIEFINGS

In January, Dan Rozett joined an interfaith group of students from local high schools and houses of worship at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C — a Daniel Pearl Education Center program aimed at helping young people learn from the Holocaust how hate speech and indifference lead to violence and genocide.

Throughout Q1, 2, and 3, Rozett spoke at myriad neighborhood and small group gatherings, on the rise of national and local antisemitism, what Federation was doing in areas of legislation, education, and security initiatives, as well as what community members, themselves, could do.

This trip gave students a chance to see just how the Holocaust unfolded. It served as an important reminder to never stay silent, but rather to call out hate.

Dan Rozett, Director Community Relations & Israel Engagement

Teen trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Antisemitism briefing at Concordia Shalom Club

Then, one sunny morning in the heart of New Jersey, we awoke to news that the world had changed.

The date was October 7.

We learned Hamas had unleashed a barbarous attack on the people of Israel, claiming the lives 1,200 men, women, children, and babies and taking 253 more as hostages, 46 of whom in the days, weeks, and months since were pronounced dead, 112 were liberated, and 95 believed to be alive were still in captivity as of this writing.

The magnitude and grotesque nature of the terrorist group’s atrocities had not been seen since the Holocaust. Israel declared war to defend the sovereign nation and its people against Hamas’ stated intent of unleashing more such attacks until Israel ceases to be.

The world shared in Israel’s outrage. That was short-lived.

FOCUSED ON ANTISEMITIC BIAS & THREATS AT RUTGERS

WITH ANTISEMITISM AT UNFORSEEN HIGHS BEFORE & AFTER OCT. 7

As a parent of three young adults, I know social media is how most of their peers get their “news,” so I support efforts to hold social media organizations accountable for inflammatory and hateful content.

Amy Goodman, JCRC member and a Federation representative on Congressman Pallone’s December roundtable

INTERVENED IN SOCIAL MEDIA BULLYING...

Throughout 2023, Jewish Federation received increasing requests for help from families of school-aged children who encountered online antisemitic content or harassment. We provided responsive and proactive interventions to make community members and leaders more aware, empowered, and prepared in the face of cyber violence.

AND PUSHED TO MODERATE CONTENT FUELING HATE, MISINFORMATION ABOUT ISRAEL AND THE WAR

In October then again in December, Jewish Federation joined Rep. Frank Pallone Jr, ranking member of the House committee with oversight of social media companies, in demanding they better moderate violent content, antisemitism, and disinformation about Israel in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

At Rutgers, false equivalencies, misinformation, lack of moral clarity, special interests, digital culture, and current law pushed anti-Israel and antisemitic bias to troubling levels even before Oct.7.

Federation worked with campus Hillel and Chabad, elected leaders, law enforcement, professors and administration to enhance lines of communication, press Rutgers to heed concerns of its Jewish community, and act appropriately.

...OFTEN ON A DAILY, HANDSON BASIS AFTER OCT. 7

After Oct. 7, antisemitic and antiIsrael activity at Rutgers reached alarming new extremes.

Federation intensified advocacy and security interventions:

• differentiating free speech from hate speech

• pressing for accountability

• facilitating reporting and recourse

• neutralizing threats

• increasing security protections

NJ Attorney General, Matt Platkin, with Laurie Doran, Director of the NJ Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness, hears from Jewish students during a visit to Rutgers Chabad House, coordinated in partnership with our Federation in the days after Oct. 7.

Susan Antman at press conference calling out social media content after Oct. 7

GIRDED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

In the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7, most of our elected leaders stood with us through solidarity events, statements, and legislative or executive actions. Helping them support Israel was “job 1” of our advocacy.

If a local leader’s words or actions spread false narratives eroding support for Israel and inciting antisemitism, we engaged further to lay out facts and course-correct.

Jewish Federations of North America with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations produced The March on Washington to buoy government support for Israel, call for release of the hostages, and combat the rise in antisemitism. It was the largest pro-Israel and Jewish gathering in U.S. history.

AND UNITED OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY IN SOLIDARITY

In a roughly one-month period between Oct. 8 and Nov. 12, this community gathered at more than three dozen solidarity events attracting an estimated 8,000 people from every walk of Jewish life, elected and law enforcement officials, and neighbors and clergy from different faith traditions.

We shared grief and outrage and called for release of all hostages, we celebrated Israel for its place in the world, we raised funds for aid to people whose lives were shattered,

More than 1,000 people from our Jewish heart of NJ community attended the March on Washington drawing an estimated 290,000 in total to the National Mall and another 250,000 via live stream.

The scope of the March, speed with which it came together, and the role of local Federations like ours, getting thousands of people there and back safely, enabled Jewish communities across America to stand with each other and speak as one at a critical time.

More than 8,000 local community members gathered at Israel solidarity events throughout Monmouth and Middlesex counties.

we implored lawmakers to support Israel’s right to defend herself, we rejected antisemitic backlash.

Most of all, we united as a community in the spirit of resilience, committed to strengthening Jewish life today and for generations to come.

Our efforts would only intensify in 2024 to maintain support for Israel.

SECURITY INITIATIVES TO MEET SOARING ANTISEMITISM

Even before October 7, the security threat landscape had worsened, largely due to rising antisemitism. Throughout 2023, Jewish Federation Security Initiatives continually honed and heightened its proactive and reactive focus on incident response, mitigation, and intelligence, as well as education, funding, and relationship-building aimed at preparedness and prevention.

The morning of October 7, our relationships with law enforcement were instrumental in local police personally alerting worshippers in services and others refraining from digital media on Shabbat.

INCIDENTS

We processed over 70 reportable incidents throughout Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties including:

• antisemitic vandalism or property damage

• harassment against members of our community

• phishing scams aiming to compromise Jewish organizations’ employee, clergy, and congregant information and financial accounts

• demonstrations or protests marked by antisemitic statements and actions

Suspicious activity included:

• emails, physical letters, packages, and phone calls

• unknown persons or vehicles with attempts to photograph or gain unauthorized entry including during religious services

• bomb threats connected with national campaigns

• swatting (falsely reporting a serious crime to manipulate the attention of law enforcement personnel)

DEVELOPMENTS

RELEASED MORE ROBUST REPORTING SYSTEM AND GUIDANCE

In June, we co-launched with national partner, Secure Community Network (SCN), a new nationally standardized incident and suspicious activity reporting platform and guidance on what constitutes suspicious activity. This was aimed at ensuring more timely, consistent, and accurate reporting, resulting in:

• better empowerment of every member of the Jewish community to improve their personal and communal security

• more timely and accurate responses protecting the Jewish community

• stronger intelligence for better trend-spotting — even across communities, incident mitigation and prevention, and resource planning

FORMED REGIONAL ALLIANCE FOR BETTER RESOURCE USE AND SHARING

Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ joined with Anti-Defamation League (ADL) NY/NJ, Community Security Initiative (CSI) NY, and

Community Security Service (CSS) as well as neighboring Jewish Federations in New York and New Jersey to form the Jewish Security Alliance (JSA) of NY/NJ for better sharing of intelligence, resources and training to safeguard schools, synagogues, community centers, and other Jewish institutions.

The new alliance formalizes existing relationships, establishes a streamlined process for information sharing on threats, and establishes mechanisms to help bolster the safety of the entire community.

Amy Keller, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ Director of Security Initiatives, represents our community in signing on to the formation of the JSA NY/NJ.

HELPED BRING IN ANOTHER $3M FOR SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS

Jewish Federation’s Security Initiatives and Advocacy often work hand in hand. While collaborating on government relations for funding of state and federal nonprofit security grants (through their respective NSGP programs - see related item p.3), our Security Initiatives provided guidance for Jewish organizations to understand what security improvements were needed and how to optimize grant applications.

In 2023, dozens of organizations across our Jewish community were able to bring in an additional approximately $3.1 million, combined, in state and federal funding — on top of previous years’ state and federal NSGP grant awards.

The state and federal NSGPs have different fiscal years and timeframes for announcing grants, providing funds, and requiring funds be used:

• Approximately $2.5 million in federal grants was awarded to approximately 18 organizations to be used in the 2023 grant cycle for guard services, access control, generators, cameras, training, and other target hardening measures.

• Approximately $660,000 in state grants was awarded from applications submitted in 2023 to be used in the 2024 grant cycle for security personnel or target hardening.

$14.7

million

Federal, state, and local security grants that Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ has helped bring to the Monmouth and Greater Middlesex Jewish community to date.

FEDERATION AND ADOM PROJECT COLLABORATE TO SAVE LIVES

While our Federation has previously received Stop the Bleed® training and provided it to dozens of organizations and countless individual community leaders, in 2023 we awarded a Federation Opportunity Grant to The Adom Project to further its own work providing Stop the Bleed® kits and training to synagogues, schools and other religious institutions. The program aims to save victims of traumatic injuries prior to the arrival of first responders.

The Adom Project came to our office to provide a refresher and additional Stop the Bleed® equipment.

Formalizing integrated processes with regional partners across our highly connected communities, as we have with the Jewish Security Alliance, speeds and strengthens individual and coordinated approaches to security threats.

Susan Antman, Executive Director of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey

LEADING INCREASED SECURITY FOCUS

PLANNING, GUIDANCE, ADVOCACY , INTERVENTIONS,

ONGOING SECURITY INITIATIVES

With incidents of antisemitism, hate and bigotry on the rise, we continued to prioritize real-time support on a dayto-day basis for individuals and organizations:

• Provided incident intervention prompted by reports of verbal harassment, graffiti, cyber scams, and bomb threats

• Conducted preparedness training and communication for organizations prior to Jewish holidays and other gatherings

• Briefed law enforcement on holidays and festivals for effective planning

• Facilitated site visits and assessments to familiarize organizations with their risks and vulnerabilities; aided in security planning

• Partnered with Long Branch Public Safety, Trinity AME Church, and neighboring Federation security colleagues to present Active Threat Response Training for Clergy; Interfaith attendees included six Long Branch synagogues

• Published Emergency Operations Planning Resources and enhanced access to Grant Application Resources online

Training participants share best practices.

• Presented Student Leader Awareness program with Middlesex County Prosecutors Office for Rutgers Hillel staff and student board, on social media scams, bullying, group and personal situations

• Maintained Heart of NJ Leaders’ Alert System with more than 300 contacts

• Provided input for congregations revamping security programs

• Continued Blue Sky Day meetings for congregations and law enforcement to build working relationships and preparedness outside emergency settings

• Conducted SPAMS and SCAMS educational workshop for seniors’ group

• Issued security guidance for synagogue services in the days and weeks immediately following October 7

SUPPORTED SECURITY PLANNING AND SERVICES FOR MORE THAN 60 EVENTS

Worked with organizations, law enforcement and private security details to assess needs and aid in planning, budgeting, and implementation for:

• Israel@75 and Israel war-related solidarity concerts, fundraisers, and vigils

• Anti-Israel rallies, speaker events, and public forums

• Transportation of approximately 1,000 Heart of NJ residents to and from the March for Israel in DC

• Rutgers University post-October 7 events and incidents involving individuals and groups

• PJ Library programs

• Communal organizations’ programs throughout the year

Blue Sky Day visit to Monmouth County Prosecutors Office with (l to r) John G. McCabe, Jr. Chief of Detectives; Julia Alonso, First Assistant Prosecutor; Amy Keller, Jewish Federation Director of Security Initiatives; Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago; Amy Mallet, Jewish Federation Security Task Force and Governors’ Council member; Daniel Chernavsky, Detective, Monmouth County Prosecutors Office

COMMUNITYWIDE WITH INTERVENTIONS, ALERTS

Thank you to our law enforcement partners, including Prosecutors’ Offices in Middlesex and Monmouth, NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, NJ State Police, local police departments, NJ Office of the Attorney General, and FBI Newark, who helped us build protections and preparedness throughout the year and especially in the wake of October 7, when the need for vigilance and incident intervention reached new highs for us all. Amy Keller, Director Security Initiatives

BUILDING READINESS AND RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH OUTREACH AND REPRESENTATION

MOVING FORWARD

In 2024 we will continue to build on programs and resources. Security is not “one and done” checklists.

With the threat landscape from the war and general increase of antisemitic activity, our challenge is to ensure all community members, not just leadership, hone their awareness and preparedness.

Jewish Federation Security Initiatives will continue to be in the background of everything that happens in communal life. And we will continue to build awareness and empowerment because security is EVERYONE’S responsibility.

Federation built further awareness, preparedness, and partnerships as Amy Keller led our participation and representation at community and public sector councils, committees, and meetings:

• Brought NJ’s Attorney General and Director of Homeland Security to organizations in our area for check-ins after October 7

• Brought Jewish community leaders to the FBI Newark Field Office for security briefing and discussion of needs

• Received recognition at State Attorney General’s Chanukah lighting

• Attended NJ law enforcement event at Rutgers Chabad welcoming Israeli police for the Unity Tour and Bike Ride to DC honoring a fallen NJ officer

• Participated with SCN, Jewish Pittsburgh, NJOHSP, FBI Newark Field Office, and NJ Jewish community security directors in briefing for law enforcement on Tree of Life Shooting

• Invited by NJ Attorney General Office, NJ Division of Criminal Justice, and Implicit Bias Working Group to evaluate bias training for law enforcement

• Attended Interfaith Advisory Council quarterly meetings as appointed member of Executive Committee

• Myriad briefings, calls, and committees about Israel war

• Attended and brought Jewish clergy to “We are Monmouth” law enforcement and religious leader collaboration

CONNECTING WITH ISRAEL CARING FOR ITS PEOPLE

Jewish Federation’s Israel Engagement Initiatives foster ways for local community members to strengthen their relationships with Israel, support people living in Israel who are in need, and celebrate Israel for its place in Jewish life and the world at large.

When 2023 began, Jews across our community were excited to mark Israel@75 – 75 years since the founding of the modern-day State of Israel. Jewish Federation and partners were planning celebrations, classes and lectures, activities for children and families, and much more to connect community members with what Israel means to them and all Jews.

Before anyone imagined the year would end with humanitarian and hostage crises or worldwide anti-Israel backlash sparked by the war set off by Hamas on October 7, our community came together to care for and connect with Israel through its highs, lows, and in-betweens.

Israel@75

Israel Independence Day in 2023 marked 75 years since the creation of the Jewish State. People around the globe and in our own community turned the milestone into a year-long celebration of all that Israel means and all that its people have contributed to the world.

Organizations throughout Monmouth and Greater Middlesex conducted celebratory and informative programs in partnership with Federation, to make commemorations of Israel’s independence accessible to all.

NJ-Israel Commission Roundtable explored economic development and business relations fostering mutual economic, scientific, educational, and cultural benefits.*

Our community took part in the Celebrate Israel Parade in NYC, celebrating 75 years of Israel’s independence and showing support for the Jewish homeland.

* Thank you to sponsors: DK Solutions of East Brunswick, Monmouth Reform Temple, Fine Wines and Liquors of East Brunswick, and B&B Wines and Liquors of Fair Lawn.

** Photo courtesy of The ROC

Myriad synagogue celebrations engaged people of all ages with Israeli food, music, dancing, crafts, “shuks” offering Israeli goods, and much more.

Civic events included NJ’s State Commemoration of Israel independence at the State Capitol and East Brunswick’s Flag Raising, among others.**

Synagogue, school, and PJ Library children’s programs with pretend travel to Israel, scavenger hunts, and birthday cake nurtured bonds with Israel for generations to come. Films, lectures, concerts, and courses steeped people of all ages in lifelong learning and bonding rooted in Israel’s past, present, and future.

WITH ISRAEL THROUGH THICK & THIN AND

GIVING ISRAEL TEEN GRANTS TO INVEST IN OUR FUTURE

Peer trips to Israel connect teens to their Jewish identity, friends, and views about Israel. Federation invests in a bright Jewish future by offering Israel Teen Grants to make the transformative experience of an Israel teen trip more affordable.

“Exploring Israel’s ancient sites, its soldiers’ graves, swimming in the seas, I saw where Jewish people came from, and it helped deepen my connection to the land. Thank you, Jewish Federation. Ora, grant recipient

JUDICIAL REFORM: ANALYSIS & ADVOCACY

In January, Israelis opposed to judicial reforms began protesting. While Federations generally do not engage with partisan politics, we are bound to represent concerns of Jews in our local communities, many becoming troubled by growing polarization in Israeli society caused by the controversy.

By March, we were sharing news from Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Israel Office, providing analysis and affirming the following:

• Our everlasting love for and commitment to the Jewish State and people of Israel transcend any policy or government action.

• We do not advocate for a specific plan. As representatives of world Jewry, partners in outlining the future of the Jewish people, we aspire to strengthen the foundations of our home.

We urged the parties to continue talks toward a clearly articulated system of checks and balances reflective of a democratic state.

ANALYSIS AND AID: RESPONSE TO MID-YEAR TERROR ATTACK AND COUNTER-TERROR OPERATION

JFNA’s Israel Office provided updates and analysis of the IDF’s Operation Shield and Arrow in May and its Jenin counter-terrorism Operation Home and Garden in July as partner, Jewish Agency for Israel’s Federation-supported Fund for Victims of Terror distributed aid to civilian victims of July’s terror attack in North Tel Aviv.

Aiming to thwart planned attacks, Operation Shield and Arrow targeted members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist organization, after PIJ fired over 100 rockets towards Israeli cities with high civilian concentration May 2 and 3.

The two-day Jenin Counter-terrorism Operation Home and Garden rooted out terrorists and terror infrastructure from the city.

The Fund for Victims of Terror provided Jewish Federation support for the people of Israel affected by these conflicts.

AND EVERY GENERATION

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey exclusively hosted Major General Hidai Zilberman, Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States, for a private discussion with our major donors held at the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County.

YOM KIPPUR WAR 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

Early in 2023, Jewish Federation and Marlboro Jewish Center planned to partner on an October 17 event commemorating 50 years since the Yom Kippur War. The event was slated to feature a first-hand account from an IDF veteran — now a heart of NJ resident, Shmuel Varod, who fought in the Armored Corp on the Sinai Front.

When October 17 arrived, one week into the war with Hamas, we honored Yom Kippur War veterans, remembered those who gave their lives then, and added prayers for today’s Israelis fighting or fallen in this new war.

Among veterans of the Yom Kippur War who attended the event, many of whom now live in New Jersey, were (l to r): Shimon Klein, Eilan Ezrachie, Shmuel Varod, Yizchak Goldstein, Israel Mayk, Arnon Deshe, Amos Wolf, Zeev Beider, and David Kalmus.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE OVERSEAS, IN ISRAEL & BEYOND

Thanks to funding from Annual Campaign contributions, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, like nearly 150 others across North America, supports time-honored relationships in Israel with partners whose core work – at times of conflict and quiet – is to aid victims of war and terrorism and those who are vulnerable, such as Holocaust survivors and the elderly, youth at risk, and people with mental health difficulties.

Our Annual Campaign funded targeted Israel grants for 2023, as we do each year, caring for vulnerable populations. On and since October 7, Annual Campaign coupled with emergency funds enabled our local community to make a difference for people wounded, traumatized, people whose homes and places of work were destroyed, and who lost loved ones.

ANNUAL TARGETED GRANTS

Before October 7, grants made by Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ’s standing Israel and Overseas Allocations Committee for 2023 focused on Israel-based non-profits supporting integration of Ukrainian and Russian young people making Aliyah after fleeing war.

Programs receiving grants included:

• Vocational rehabilitation program providing job training and employment opportunities for people with mental illness

• Jerusalem-based teen outreach program providing emotional support for English speaking teens who are difficult to reach through traditional methods

• Tel Aviv-based warm houses promoting education achievement and strengthening Jewish identity via tutoring and mentoring

• Afterschool club enabling older Israeli students to mentor younger Ukrainian immigrants to help them integrate into Israeli society

• Training mental health providers to better support Ukrainian refugees and victims of war

• Independence program helping

single parents with financial planning, psychological support, immigrants’ rights, and more

• Support smoothing Ukrainian teens’ adjustment to school in a new country with supplies, therapy, and activities, such as music instruction, dance, and sports

• Inclusive leadership programs for young people with and without disabilities, providing vocational training and experience as well as independent living skills.

Katef LeKatef program helps single immigrant parents with financial planning, emotional support, understanding how to obtain benefits, finding a job, home, and educational resources for their children.

Herzog Center for Treatment of Psychotrauma program improves therapeutic aid for children and parents exposed to traumatic events in the Ukraine war.

Gimmel Foundation program trains teachers to help Ukrainian Olim children enrolled in a new afterschool program adjust to life in Israel.

IMMEDIATE HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE TO HAMAS ATTACK

The moment news hit on October 7 of Hamas’ terror rampage, thanks to our partners on the ground, Jewish Federations of North America’s operations in Israel, and the infrastructure of know-how and resources we have built together with decades of Federation Annual Campaign funds, we immediately activated humanitarian emergency aid to those wounded, displaced, and whose homes were destroyed, with:

• Evacuation

• Relocation and shelter

• Emergency medical and trauma care

• Food, personal care supplies, and clothing

ACROSS NORTH AMERICA, GALVANIZING AN EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN

In less than a day, Federation and partners were building out a full emergency response effort and fundraising campaign, adding to the immediate initiatives and providing aid to this day, including:

• Supporting volunteers deployed for everything from harvesting crops and providing meals to mental health services

• Strengthening frontline communities, bolstering social services, building resilience

• Empowering frontline professionals through training, counseling, and guidance

• Facilitating access to benefits through interventions which ensure all Israelis can avail themselves of the public and social services to which they are entitled

• Launching a new employment initiative to help evacuee jobseekers reskill/upskill to re-enter the workforce

• Financial assistance to those whose places of employment or own businesses were destroyed or shuttered, including a loan program for small businesses

In 2023, Jewish Federations’ Israel Emergency Fund raised: $ 768,533,361 and allocated $282,735,231 as follows. As of this writing, $400,601,565 has been allocated with the balance in reserve to meet ongoing needs as they unfold.

AID TO UKRAINIAN AND RUSSIAN JEWS DISPLACED BY WAR CONTINUED

OUR IMPACT

Even with our focus on Israel humanitarian aid since October 7, Jewish Federations and our partners continued to support relief for Ukrainians and Russians who, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have fled to Israel and elsewhere, as well as those members of the Jewish communities who did not or could not flee, many of whom are displaced across the region.

Because we and our partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and World ORT, have been working steadily in Ukraine and the region for generations, Federations were able to be on the ground responding to emergency needs since day one of the conflict there.

EXPANDED SUMMER CAMP FOR UKRAINIAN CHILDREN

702,000 Meals distributed

507,000 People received Humanitarian Aid

130,000 People received Medical Care

91,925 People supported in making Aliyah

80,000 Refugees evacuated

47,293 People received temporary housing

30,121 People received mental health services

4,000 Health professionals trained

354 Tons of clothing distributed

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the lives of Jewish children from the region have forever changed. Summer camp helps them weather a seemingly endless storm, providing safety and Jewish togetherness.

In 2023, Jewish Federations supported a major expansion of the prior summer’s camping initiative to reach more than 5,300 children, teens, and young adults (up from 1,400 in 2022) at 79 camps (up from 24) through 26 different providers spread across 14 countries, including for the first time within secure areas of Ukraine.

Federation partner, The Jewish Agency’s summer camp program in Transcarpathia served more than 800 children and young adults. At Federation partner, JDC’s, Camp Szarvas in Hungary, Ukrainian teens joined youth from across Europe and the Former Soviet Union to build their camp community together as they have since 1990.

The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv recognized Jewish Federations of North America for our role in supporting the Ukrainian people during the war. The city built an “Avenue of International Aid’’ with seven cherry trees to recognize each of seven countries that have significantly supported the Ukrainian people. The tree in the center honors Israel; its plaque carries the names and logos of the Jewish Federations of North American and our partner, the Israel Trauma Coalition.

CHABAD-LUBAVITCH JEWISH RELIEF NETWORK

UKRAINE EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP WITH FEDERATIONS

A delegation of leaders from JFNA visited the Chabad in Ashkelon, Israel, where children airlifted from an orphanage in Ukraine were staying. JFNA and the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU) partnered to complement each other’s relief efforts.

Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign keeps our global humanitarian network strong and ready when crisis strikes.

Phyllis Solomon, Chair Overseas Allocations Committee

RESPONDING TO EARTHQUAKES IN MOROCCO, SYRIA, TURKEY

In February, a massive earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. Delegations from the Israel Defense Forces, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and Federation partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) immediately responded with relief such as food, portable heating and winter items, medical support, and temporary shelter.

In July, when an earthquake struck Morocco, Jewish Federations with our partners on the ground, responded once again:

• Distributing food, water, diapers, hygiene kits, clothes, and blankets

• Providing urgent medical equipment for damaged healthcare facilities

• Meeting emergency needs of Marrakesh’s Jewish community

EXPANDING WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE HERE AT HOME

Kosher Meals on Wheels deliveries and Congregate Meals helped my mom regain some independence and brought her friends and happiness in her final months.

An adult son told our family service partner when his mom passed away.

CULTIVATING NEW SOURCES OF FUNDING

Three years ago, seeing that we would be hard pressed to meet needs for Holocaust survivors and seniors, Federation sought, and won, grants from a national foundation.

In 2023, we grew the level of support through this channel from 2019’s $20,000 to $150,000, bringing to our partners almost three times the dollars we could have allocated — in addition to our allocations from Annual Campaign.

Our national advocacy secured a 40% increase in Holocaust survivor aid and, for the first time, federal funding for kosher food assistance.

Bringing in additional funds from outside our community for senior nutrition and Holocaust aid augments Federation grants and enables us to fill more gaps in our community’s safety net, fill more bellies that would otherwise be hungry, lift more spirits, and extend more help to our partners and the people they serve.

FEDERATION ADVOCACY YIELDS HISTORIC FUNDING FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS AND SENIORS

The New Jersey State Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 signed into law June 30, 2023, for the first time, commits $1 M for Kosher Meals on Wheels programs providing fresh, daily meals in addition to wellness visits to homebound seniors.

In addition, the budget increased funding by $650,000 for NJ’s Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program, a 40% increase providing critical care to over 1,000 Holocaust survivors in NJ — an aging population whose health and wellness challenges are increasing.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS AID FAMILIES IN NEED

While summer camp is worthwhile on many levels, Jewish camp helps develop Jewish community, education, and identity as well — building blocks for a strong Jewish future.

Camp can be mental health respite or humanitarian support for a child with difficulty at home; it can serve as affordable child care for parents who work to make ends meet; provide meals when subsidized school meals stop. Camp can help a family or child build social supports that bolster them year-round... and camp is expensive.

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

can put the otherwise impossible within reach for families who are struggling financially.

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIPS provide financial aid for youth to share in Jewish communal life while building skills and confidence and making friends in an environment tailored to their special needs.

In 2023, Jewish Federation was proud to award Special Needs Camp Scholarships to youth from Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties and Need-Based Camp Scholarships to youth from Monmouth County while partnering with Jewish Social Services of Middlesex County to administer its NeedBased Camp Scholarship application process and reach out to camps to create sliding scale tuition arrangements and more.

NEED-BASED CAMP GRANT GAVE SHIRI HER DAYS IN THE SUN

Camp became a lifeline for 10year-old Shiri*, whose needs took a back seat when her dad moved to Israel and stopped paying child

support, her mom and brother were in and out of hospitals for months before finally receiving her brother’s dual diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses, and mom lost her job.

“Shiri got lost in the shuffle,” her mom said, “but the year was just as hard for her as her brother.”

Camp seemed to reset Shiri’s mood and repaired her feelings about Israel. Mom of need-based camp grantee.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP

GRANT

GAVE SARAH AND HER FAMILY JUST WHAT THEY NEEDED

Sarah attended camp combining therapeutics and recreation meeting the social, ambulatory, and medical needs of children with intellectual and physical disabilities, thanks to help from Federation’s Special Needs Camp Grant.

Sarah’s parents, who without help, would not be able to afford the $17,000 tuition, said, “Sarah had a fantastic time at camp and it gives her siblings and her dad and me a well needed respite. We thank Jewish Federation and all its donors for helping us make this happen.

MORE FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Jewish Federation helped fund the Friendship Circle’s Sunday Program pairing teen volunteers with neurodivergent children for fun, enrichment, and community building.

The programs include skill building and socializing among special friends excited to be together.

FEDERATION IDENTIFIED UNMET NEED AND FUNDING FOR IT

In addition to partnering with organizations providing aid and inclusion for children with special needs, Jewish Federation often fields direct parent inquiries.

Seeing an unmet need for help with ABLE accounts, guardianship, education, housing, and employment, we applied for and won a grant from the NJ State Bar Association and partnered with The Friendship Circle on a program about legal rights and public benefits.

Along with attorney presentations, parents who have gone through legal processes will mentor those going through them for the first time.

More than delivering a program or service, we seek to do it in a way that builds community, so parents do not have to feel alone.

Laura Safran, Jewish Federation Director, Community Impact

INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE FOR A STRONG JEWISH FUTURE

FUNDING, CONDUCTING, AND SUPPORTING PROGRAMS THAT NURTURE OUR CHILDREN’S POSITIVE FEELINGS, EXPERIENCES, AND CONNECTIONS RELATING TO JEWISH LIFE IS KEY TO BUILDING A STRONG JEWISH FUTURE.

In 2023, Jewish Federation invested in opportunities for young people, as they grow, to:

• discover joy in Jewish traditions

• explore and practice values of caring

• find empowerment through community service

• embrace collective responsibility for tzedakah, chesed, and tikkun olam

CONVENED JEWISH EDUCATORS TO MAKE HEBREW SCHOOL MORE DYNAMIC, RELEVANT, RELATABLE

PJ Library brings children 6 months to 11 years free, high-quality books or music each month and gathers families to form happy Jewish memories and community connections.

Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ’s Education Directors Council hosted the 6th Annual Jewish Educators Conference. Dr. Evie Rotstein, Senior Education Advisor at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion’s School of Education, led the group in exploring Social Emotional Spiritual Learning (SESL), which can be incorporated into Jewish classrooms to improve students’ motivation and ability to learn and thrive in all aspects of life.

Attending this conference has enhanced my ability to cultivate students’ emotional and spiritual growth. Hebrew School teacher from Rumson Jewish Center, Congregation B’nai Israel

Hebrew school educators at the 6th Annual Jewish Educators Conference

One Happy Camper incentive grants provide up to $1,000 for first-time campers to try Jewish camp, a predictor of future involvement in Jewish community.

Need-based Camp Scholarships are a lifeline for financiallystrapped families when school is out, providing access to childcare, meals, and social supports while building Jewish identity.

Teen Volunteerism engages 13 to 18 year-olds in hands-on service inspiring them to embrace joy and empowerment through Jewish community and collective responsibility.

Teen Grants enable 9th to 12th graders to travel to Israel and other Jewish heritage destinations, strengthening their Jewish identity, bonds with peers, and grasp of our history.

Special-needs Camp Scholarships enable youth with physical or developmental disabilities to share in the magic of camp, building new skills and confidence, and making friends within a supportive community tailored to their needs.

The Ruth Kroll Scholarship recognizes an exceptional young woman age 16 to 19 who demonstrates strong Jewish identity and contributes to our community through volunteerism.

YOUTH PROGRAMS BRING JEWISH JOY, MEANING, CONNECTION

PJ LIBRARY BROUGHT YOUNGSTERS AND THEIR FAMILIES TOGETHER

PJ Library gatherings organized by Federation helped cultivate grassroots engagement for children and parents as a welcoming entry point into Jewish life.

2023 was filled with baking and donating cookies, making cards for veterans, stuffing teddy bears for hospital patients, packaging items for local shelters... and of course lots of story time, crafts, and play.

Just in time for Sukkot, young children and their parents gathered for snacks, crafts, and a PJ Library story about the holiday in a local family’s Sukkah.

(L) PJ Library

Ambassadors gathered families for crafts and storytime in the park.

(R) Teen volunteers join Rita Rashotsky, Preschool Director at PJ Library Hub, Marlboro Jewish Center, during summer family fun day for kids.

Children place notes “in the Wall” at PJ Library Hub, Congregation B’nai Tikvah, during Israel@75 celebration.

Teens are hungry for meaningful encounters. Jewish communal activity shapes them as responsible, empathetic young adults and prepares them for higher education and the workplace.

Sydney Beberman, Jewish Engagement Associate

TEENS DID EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

MARCH OF THE LIVING

Seventeen-year-old Liyah thought she knew what to expect on March of the Living, as her dad had told her about his own experience 30 years earlier.

From chilling accounts of human cruelty to the sound of silence in a forest where Jews fought for their lives, to the joy of celebrating generations of resilience, Liyah was overwhelmed by the “life-changing” experience.

Getting off the bus at Majdanek death camp, the area today is beautiful, with a farmers’ market and neighbors treating it like a park. Someone would never know the horrors that happened there. The Jewish people had no escape.

Going to Israel after a week in Poland, I realized Zionism is more than a political idea. Israel is Jews’ ancestral home. I was born in Israel and moved to America at a young age and I sometimes feel disconnected from my Israeli roots.

March of the Living reminded me how proud I am of my heritage and the importance of Zionism.

I thank Jewish Federation for the teen grant helping make my trip possible and I encourage more teens to experience Israel and March of the Living with help from Federation.

STUDENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The new Jewish Community Club at Ranney School contacted Federation in September for input on ways to help the Jewish community.

One month in, the war in Israel began and the club decided independently to support Federation’s Israel appeal. Club president, Zachary, said:

We want to help people whose lives are impacted. Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ’s fundraiser directly aligned with our goals.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT CHOSEN

Logan F was selected as the first recipient of The Ruth Kroll Scholar Award created by Jewish Federation with the Kroll family to perpetuate Ruth’s memory and values of service, kindness, leadership, modesty, excellence, and education. Logan said:

I am committed to upholding Ruth Kroll’s legacy through my actions and enthusiastically anticipate serving as a resource and mentor for future young Jewish women. “

Logan F, scholarship recipient

Lador v’dor... Liyah (right) places stones at a Holocaust memorial in Poland as her father did on March of the Living in his youth. “ “

Ranney Jewish Community Club

MARSHALING FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO MEET CRITICAL COMMUNAL NEEDS

WE WERE BUILT FOR THIS

In 2023, fundraising helped Jewish Federation support people affected by such emergencies and unplanned needs as the Ukraine war, the catastrophic Hamas attack and war in Israel, soaring antisemitism, and lingering psychosocial and financial fallout from the COVID pandemic. This is central to Federation’s role.

Annual Campaign remains paramount for programs and partnerships meeting perennial communal needs, but it also prepares us for crisis. It builds our infrastructure for emergency campaigns, so when crisis strikes, we’re not starting from scratch.

Murray Katz, President

Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign makes the Jewish community strong day to day, and must keep us ready for whatever comes.

FINANCIAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT EVOLVES WITH THE TIMES

As cultural and generational shifts affect how people support causes they value, Jewish Federation continues expanding strategies to augment Annual Campaign. See page 20 for ways we secured funding from foundations outside our Jewish community in 2023 for seniors, Holocaust survivors, and families with special needs.

We use this leverage, or multiplier effect, to take a “dollar” and generate more than a dollar’s worth of impact, e.g.:

• $1M in NJ state funding for Kosher Meals on Wheels — a 20-fold return on donors’ dollars

• $14.7M in nonprofit security grants — a 40-fold return on donors’ dollars

• $16.5M in legacy gifts benefiting more than ten Jewish organizations — a 25-fold return on donors’ dollars

• $3M in PJ Library books and youth programs — a 7-fold return on donors’ dollars

DIGITAL PEER TO PEER FUNDRAISING TRIAL

A pilot group of volunteers used our digital giving platform and their own social media and email to create and share Federation fundraising appeals. 56% of donors were firsttime or returning after 2+ years.

DOUBLE THE DONATION

A new addition on our donation web page enables donors to see if their employer makes matching gifts. If so, the donor can now easily fill out a form that goes digitally to the employer to request the match. Donors no longer have to go to HR or submit paper forms.

HOW CHAI CAN YOU GO?

To augment spring and summer fundraising, we created a campaign to community members who had either lapsed after years supporting Federation or had attended our events but never donated. Nearly 100 respondents made gifts in multiples of “chai,” e.g., $36 and $180.

TEXT MESSAGING PLATFORM

In 2023, we piloted text message platforms for on-site text-to-give appeals at events, community-wide messaging, and event reminders.

RATINGS AND RECOGNITION

Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ achieved a rating upgrade to Silver by Guide Star/Candid.

Charity Navigator upgraded our rating from 88% to 97%, a 4-star designation.

NJBIZ, New Jersey’s leading business journal, named Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ #20 out of 25 top NJ nonprofit organizations.

AMONG OUR PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISING PARTICIPANTS:

ADRIENNE’S FEDERATION PASSION IS RAISING MONEY FOR PJ LIBRARY

It’s so wonderful when your grandchild cuddles up to you with their new PJ Library book in hand, to read together. Jewish Federation funds and provides PJ Library books and family gatherings that help build happy Jewish memories and community, for all of us.

Thank you for joining me in this investment in our Jewish future!

JOSHUA WAS LOOKING FOR A WAY TO DO A MITZVAH

I was looking for a Bar Mitzvah project then October 7th happened. Israel was first on my mind. My family and I asked Federation, “What can we do?” They helped me create a fundraising campaign for people whose lives were affected by the attack and war. When 2023 ended, I was close to reaching my $10,000 goal, thanks to donations from my family and friends.

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY

Jewish Federation engages women at every stage of their family, career, spiritual, and personal lives in building and supporting Jewish life.

In 2023, Women’s Philanthropy brought women and men together through engagement, education, and fundraising events highlighting needs and taking action.

DIGNITY GROWS

Our Dignity Grows partnership addressed feminine hygiene insecurity that compounds poverty.

Dignity Grows pilot group at Hygiene Supply Packing Party.

Co-chairs: far left, Jamie Wolff; fourth from left, Ellen Katcher; second from right, Judith Zone.

PICKLEBALL EVENT

Women and men enjoyed game play and dinner, and were briefed on Federation impact. Thank you to our sponsors:

GOLD: Eugene W & Gloria Landy Family Foundation

SILVER: Jewely Design Gallery, Natalie Stern and Fiana Levy

- Lock it Up Realty, Jay and Michelle Fields, W & E Baum Bronze Tablet Corp.

2023 BY THE NUMBERS

CARE FOR THE VULNERABLE

A SAFE & VIBRANT COMMUNITY

INVESTMENT IN THE JEWISH

FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey manages nearly $29.4 million annually, with approximately $3.8 million in our annual operating budget, and greater than $25.6 million in endowment funds.

Our goal is to spend 80% or more of our budget funding programs and services and 20% or less on administration and fundraising — a level deemed appropriate and financially efficient by Charity Navigator.

In 2023, we exceeded our targets in each of these areas.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey cultivates and mobilizes financial resources from our annual community campaign, targeted campaigns for designated purposes, foundation grants, and endowment and legacy gifts.

Developing financial resources in this way, Federation enables donors to align their philanthropic investments with the causes they care about, while addressing the Jewish community’s most critical needs for today and a strong Jewish future. 60%

$1,668,971 Annual Community Campaign

$1,748,592

Designated Gifts, Foundations, and Other Sources

$948,795 Endowment Contributions

BOARD OF TRUSTEES & OFFICERS

President

Dr. Murray Katz

1st Vice President

Cheryl Markbreiter

2nd Vice President

Jeffrey Schwartz

3rd Vice President

Elise Feldman

Treasurer

Carol Kominsky

Secretary

Sheryl Grutman

Outreach & Engagement

Marcia Schwartz

Impact & Allocations

Kenneth Philmus

Women’s Philanthropy

Kristyn Mednick

Jewish Community Relations

Joel Krinsky

Leadership Development

Adrienne Ross

Governors’ Council

Bonnie Leff

Alex Kemeny

THE GOVERNORS’ COUNCIL

Mr. David Blivaiss

Mr. Alan Brodman

Mr. Henry Cohen

Mrs. Michelle Fields

Mrs. Joan Fischer

Ms. Phyllis Freed

Mrs. Wendy Friedman

Mrs. Arlene Frumkin

Dr. Marlene Herman

Mr. Liran Kapoano

Mr. Alex Kemeny

Mr. Anthony Kestler

Mrs. Beth Krinsky

Mrs. Laurie Landy

Mrs. Bonnie Leff

Mrs. Amy Mallet

Mrs. Inbar Robbins

Mrs. Francine Semaya

Mrs. Barbara Spack

Dr. Eliot Spack

Mrs. Brenda Tanzman

Mr. Roy Tanzman

Mrs. Phoebe Wofchuck (z”l)

CONTACT US

230 Old Bridge Turnpike South River, NJ 08882

phone: 732.588.1800

email: info@jewishheartnj.org

web: jewishheartnj.org