JFNA Israel Emergency Campaign Surpasses $800 Million

JFNA Israel Emergency Campaign Surpasses $800 Million

Deborah K. Goldfarb | Interim CEO, Jewish Long Beach

Support of Israel has been one of the cornerstones of our local Federation and JCC (now Jewish Long Beach) throughout our combined 75year history. Each year we now allocate 10% of our Annual Campaign funds to be distributed to Israel through the Jewish Federations of North America. Our community has historically responded positively to the numerous Israel Emergency Campaigns that have been mounted over the many times Israel has been attacked.

Immediately following the October 7th Hamas attack Jewish Federations of North America launched their emergency relief campaign. To date the campaign has surpassed the $800 million mark with our local community contributing over $300,000 to the effort. Thank you all for all your generous contributions. Together we are doing our small part to address the tremendous economic and emotional issues that many in Israel now face. Out of $806 million raised by Jewish Federations, $410 million has been allocated to the most pressing needs on the ground through nearly 300 partner organizations and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs). Organizations that have received funding include our core partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel, JDC, and World ORT, as well as many other partner organizations including ReGrow, Project Horizon, Magen David Adom, Israel Trauma Coalition, and Brothers and Sisters for Israel.

Additionally, the Jewish Federations’ Israel Emergency Loan Fund is providing a lifeline to businesses across Israel who were severely impacted by the war and without access to traditional banking credit. Through its Investment Committee, the Loan Fund allocates funds to loan platforms who then provide loans to small businesses in a particular set of markets and sectors, including agriculture.

Through the ReGrow program, Jewish Federations have pledged to support the farming communities of Western Negev through grants up to $12.5 million to urgently replace equipment destroyed and looted by Hamas terrorists, allowing them to resume farming in time for the spring planting season.

The allocations enable the loan platforms to provide lower interest loans and to cover default risks in order to leverage larger scale loans from banks. Through these loans, Jewish Federations are supporting the Israeli economy at a time of unprecedented need and sustaining businesses that employ tens of thousands of people.

Federations have also taken special care to fund populations who have particular or specialized needs during this emergency, including at-risk youth, the LGBQT+ Community, Young Children, Women, Bedouin Communities, and People with Disabilities.

While our hearts continue to go out to our Israeli brothers and sisters as the trauma continues with ongoing attacks from Hezbollah in the north and Iranian attacks, our assistance continues to help Israel rebuild and heal. Thank you to all of you for your contributions both directly to the emergency campaign, and to our local annual campaign. Together we all make a difference in the world.

Am Yisrael Chai!