JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
Dear Friends,
After the unimaginable tragedy of October 7th, our community responded with extraordinary strength, compassion, and unity. We stood together not only in grief, but also in purpose to support one another, meet urgent needs, and to begin healing. We take immense pride in our collective strength during one of the most difficult moments in recent memory.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of volunteers and professionals across our Jewish community, families in crisis received immediate aid. Security and support were mobilized swiftly, both here and in Israel. Our students demonstrated their resilience and fortitude. We are deeply grateful for the courage, leadership, and partnership of every individual and institution who stood with us. And through it all, we created spaces for connection, remembrance, and hope.
This year’s Impact Report reflects more than just programs or numbers. It tells the story of a community united in purpose and guided by shared values that leads with heart, acts with resolve, and believes in building a better tomorrow.
At Federation, we acted without hesitation launching emergency initiatives, raising critical funds, and standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. Essential programs and services not only continued but did so with compassion and meaningful impact.
This remarkable response was only possible because of you.
Areas of Impact
Your generosity, leadership, and belief in the power of community made everything possible. Together, we demonstrated what it means to be a community that shows up, steps forward, and never backs down. With our partner agencies, the Jewish Federation is proud to help create the foundation for our community. Here for Good.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the professional staff at Federation, thank you for your trust, your support, and your commitment to our shared mission. We look forward to all we will continue to build together.
With sincere appreciation,
BILLY MARKSON President JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director
Addressing Food Insecurity
Through our support of Jewish Family Service, we help to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Their Community Food Pantry is the area’s only one with a kosher section. Monthly Mazel Meals also bring kosher food made from scratch to local residents for whom cooking is a hardship.
Education for All
Education is part of the rhythm of Jewish life. From local synagogues’ Hebrew Schools and the JCC’s Early Childhood Education Center to the Jewish Day School and Holocaust education for local public schools to Yachad University and Yiddish Club, Federation funds Jewish education l’dor v’dor.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
IEC and Annual Campaign, Local Distributions
Campaign & Foundation
$261,800* $2,550,903
$2,812,703 Did You Know?
$0.85 of every $1 is channeled back into the Jewish Community.
Supporting Older Adults
The Jewish Federation provides the services that support successful aging as clients navigate the complex stages of the aging process. As a social service agency, JFS facilitates programs with an eye on inclusion and accessibility. Creative Connections is a therapeutic art program in partnership with Cedar Crest College.
Security & Combating Antisemitism
Our Jewish community combats rising antisemitism through enhanced security, public education, and coalition-building with government and civil society. We invest in safety measures and offer expert-led trainings to inform and protect our community.
Israel and Overseas Support
We keep our ties to Israel strong through our relationship to Yoav (Partnership2Gether program) and by supporting worthy causes in Israel and 70 countries around the world. We build people-to-people connections through immersive experiences, study opportunities, and travel with a purpose (missions).
United For Israel
Did You Know?
Israel Emergency Campaign 2023 - 2025:
$1,080,257
In a crisis, fundamental needs require immediate attention—giving people time to breathe and process the tragedy.
We took swift action to address these pressing needs. Funds raised for Operation Swords of Iron Israel Emergency Campaign went into lifeline services including food, clothing, financial assistance, medicines, and more.
100% of all emergency campaign funds raised are allocated to address needs.
In the 2024-2025 campaign year, the advocacy for Israel in our community was inspiring. Attendance for our programming in support of Israel was high, and these programs included:
• First annual October 7th Commemoration
• Community Prayer Vigil
• Early screening of “October 8” documentary
LEHIGH VALLEY JEWISH FOUNDATION (LVJF)
The Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation, the legacy arm of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, serves as the endowment fund for our entire local Jewish community. By pooling resources, we maximize investment performance while reducing costs, ensuring that no single organization bears the burden of paying a premium for financial services.
As of September 2024, the Foundation managed more than $55 million in assets on behalf of our community. These assets support synagogues, agencies, cemetery funds, and other institutions, along with individual donor funds that strengthen the core organizations essential to Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley.
The Foundation’s Endowment Committee meets quarterly and works closely with our Investment Committee to safeguard and grow these resources for the future.
In addition, 10% of the Foundation’s assets are invested in Israel Bonds, reaffirming our enduring commitment to Israel and the Jewish people.
$1,650,00
Did You Know?
Can you hear the future calling?
Learn more about LVJF by scanning the QR code, or by visiting this link: lvjfgiving.org
AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Development
MIKE MILLER Endowment Chair
