The Jewish Federations of North America’s Board of Trustee approved core priorities for the coming fiscal year at its June meeting, which include increased philanthropic resources for Jewish communal security, Ukraine humanitarian relief, and strategies to combat antisemitism and strengthening civic relationships.   

“As the largest Jewish philanthropy in North America, Jewish Federations are uniquely positioned to help communities flourish in good times and remain resilient during times of crisis,” said Jewish Federations of North America Board Chair Julie Platt. “This past year we witnessed both hard moments of crisis and tremendous moments of opportunity, and have provided for the needs of the North American Jewish community across the board. The priorities we have set for this year reflect the greatest challenges facing our communities and Federations’ ability to mobilize our communities towards collective philanthropy.” 
 

Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis in late February 2022, the Federation system’s response has been extraordinary and historic, raising and deploying more than $90 million towards their core partners The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), The Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT, as well as dozens of other organizations engaged in relief and resettlement efforts.  
 

A new committee led by J. David Heller will lead Jewish Federations’ efforts to assess the ongoing needs generated by the crisis and introduce the most effective strategies towards providing for these critical needs. 
 

As antisemitic attacks continue to rise, Jewish Federations remain focused on investing in both physical security and in innovative responses to combat hate. Through the $130 million LiveSecure, Jewish Federations will continue efforts to ensure every Jewish community in North America has a comprehensive security program and the support to raise local matching grants. In addition, Federations will continue to lead important efforts to combat antisemitism on the ground by strengthening community relations work in every Federation community.  

Additional priorities include strengthening Israeli civil society and supporting the development of pluralistic Jewish initiatives in Israel, expanding The JEDI (Jewish Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) initiative to create a culture of belonging across the Jewish community and building new strategies for IETA (The Israel Educational Travel Alliance) to best support the field of immersive educational travel to Israel. 
 

Finally, the following committee chairs were appointed at the meeting: 
 

• National Campaign Chair: J. David Heller
• National Women’s Philanthopry Chair: Iris Kraemer 
• National Young Leadership Cabinet Co-Chairs: Danielle Gross and Brett Tanzman 
• Lay Leadership Development Chair: Dena Boronkay Rashes 

Jewish Federations are the largest collective Jewish philanthropy in North America and raise and distribute more than $2 billion annually and through planned giving and endowment programs to support flourishing Jewish communities domestically, in Israel, and in 70 countries around the world.