YOU Made an Impact through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County

Following the horrific attack of October 7, the Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has made approximately $250,000 in emergency grants to assist the people of Israel as they respond, rebuild, and recover. The focus has been on healing and helping those most affected by October 7 and its aftermath, as well as vulnerable populations, address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other emerging issues.

The Federation’s latest round of Israel Emergency grants centered on organizations that are providing healing for hostages and their families, as well as addressing PTSD and recovery from injuries following efforts to counter Hamas and other terrorists. The following seven organizations received support:

Belev Echad is an international nonprofit dedicated to restoring wounded IDF soldiers back to life through physical, medical, legal, emotional, and financial support. Extensive therapies and programs help the soldiers recover and transition back into a meaningful life without limits.

Brothers for Life, created and run by injured Israe-

li veterans, gives critical and immediate help to other injured Israeli combat veterans who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the Jewish people.

Israel Heart2heart has the mission to offer unwavering assistance to soldiers living with PTSD who are grappling with the challenges brought on by battle shock. Their comprehensive approach addresses these difficulties head-on, encompassing three vital areas: community, mind-body-soul wellness, and employment reintegration.

Rising Heroes has the goal to build the mental resilience and provide practical tools for combat soldiers. This includes taking breaks to recharge, strengthening their team framework as a source of resilience and meaning, and providing techniques for personal and team-level cognitive regulation and processing of the events.

Thank Israeli Soldiers works in partnership with the IDF’s Division of Mental Health and their Division of Behavioral Sciences. Today, over 620 facilitators have been trained and have screened more than 82,000 soldiers for PTSD. They are helping soldiers process their experiences in battle and are teaching resilience-building skills to transition on and off the battlefield.

The Transcending Trauma Project is a life-changing program that addresses the profound impact of October 7 on Israeli soldiers and their families, displaced persons, and Nova Festival celebrators. The project supports individuals in the early,

mid, and post stages of trauma, and then later if chronic PTSD has developed. It provides immediate intervention and treatment, builds resilience and encourages post traumatic growth. Transcending Trauma is an excellent way to regain a sense of trust and learn to manage this ongoing crisis.

TIKVOT is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that rehabilitates Israel’s wounded soldiers and victims of terror through sports. Founded in 2007, TIKVOT has already helped thousands of severely injured Israelis to overcome their pain, trauma and disability and rebuild productive lives.

Earlier this year, the Jewish Federation of Ocean County disbursed renewal grants to these organizations: Camp

Shutaf, Counseling Center for Women, Crossroads, Derekh Eretz, Dror, Koby Mandell Foundation, Lev Otef, and the Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin. Additional funds for special projects were granted to Koby Mandell Foundation and Lev Otef.

JFOC has now supported 34 organizations since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023.

The Jewish Federation is currently seeking to raise additional funds to support these and other organizations. The goal is $25,000, which will be aided by a $10,000 matching grant, doubling the impact of the first $10,000 in donations. To donate visit: www.jewishoceancounty.org/israelemergency or send a check to 1235a Rt. 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

Pass It On for Passover 2025

Dear Jewish Federation of Ocean County:

This year’s Pass It On for Passover campaign was a great success, thanks in part to your generous support.

The Collection Locations were three Lakewood Department of Public Works drop-off sites: the Main DPW (resident drop off), Dzio Park and Patrick Park. In addition, we placed bins at ten other locations, throughout Ocean County, including Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson and Manchester. These bins were placed at local shuls and public gathering areas, making it easier for community members to contribute.

The Food Collected came to a total of 3,000 pounds of unopened, non-perishable Chometz.

The Food Distribution included 420 pounds to Fulfill (the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties), 1,500 pounds to the Sixth Street Baptist Church and 1,080 pounds to Bethel Church.

Regarding the Volunteers & Logistics, we operated with one lead driver and a few additional volunteer drivers, ensuring timely and respectful delivery of the donations to our partner organizations.

Thank you, Avi Kotler