IMPACT

Jewish Federation of Ocean County Grants Update

The grants recently approved by the Jewish Federation of Ocean County so far in 2025 were to: Koby Mandell Foundation, Shutaf, Crossroads, Lev Otef (GANAT), Lone Soldier Center in honor of Michael Levin, Counseling Center for Women, Derech Eretz, and Dror.

Additionally, JFOC has approved grants to our core overseas partners: Joint Distribution Committee

(JDC), Jewish Agency, Hillel and ORT.

Next will be a round of food insecurity grants prior to Passover, including our sponsorship of One Ocean County's Pass It On For Passover food drive. If you would like to make a food donation or help with this program, please contact Avi via text at 732-806-0261.

Hostages and Missing Families Forum

Interview with Shiri of the resource development team at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum

JFOC: What has been the impact of your work (and our grant) so far since October 7?

HMFF: The year 2024 was significant for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. This year, we enhanced the support system for families and expanded our influence on public opinion both in Israel and internationally to keep the hostage issue on the public agenda and promote their release from Hamas captivity.

JFOC: What is the biggest challenge you are finding now and in the immediate future, in terms of your work and addressing the population/challenges you are trying to impact?

HMFF: As of February 2025, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum operates with determination and dedication to ensure the completion of the first phase of the hostage deal and to move forward immediately to the next stages until all hostages are brought home. In the coming days, we are intensifying our efforts and amplifying the public, political, and media campaign to exert significant pressure on decision-makers and ensure that this issue remains at the top of the national and international agenda. To achieve this goal, we are operating on several key fronts at the advocacy level while enhancing the support of family services as these horrific days continue.

JFOC: What do you see as the biggest need for recovery at this point after October 7 – which could relate to your work or be related to other needs/organizations/challenges?

HMFF: The Hostage and Missing Families Forum is engaged in extensive activities to support and accompany the families in response to the evolving reality. To achieve recovery and start rehabilitation we need all hostages to return.

Thank You from the Lone Soldier Center

To the Jewish Federation of Ocean County:

I hope you are doing well. On behalf of the entire team at The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin, I want to sincerely thank you and your board for approving this generous $3,600 grant. Your support makes a direct impact on the lives of our lone soldiers, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and community they need.

We would love to share some personal stories with your community, which are here included. Regarding recognition, we would be happy to acknowledge this grant in any way you see fit – please let us know your preference.

Thank you again for standing with us in support of our soldiers. Please let me know if you need any further details or have any questions.

With gratitude,

Amit Sofer

Resource Development Manager

The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin

Editor’s Note: JFOC is continuing our support of these three lone soldiers into 2025.