via JFNA (source)

Federations Launch Virtual Letter to Families of Kidnapped Boys

In response to the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers by members of Hamas, JFNA delivered a letter of solidarity to Prime Minister Netanyahu and prepared a virtual letter of support for the affected families. More than 3,000 people have signed the virtual letter in its first two days. Add your name at bringbackourboys.net and share with your networks.

VISTA Volunteers to Help Holocaust Survivors

Thanks to an historic partnership between Jewish Federations of North America, the Corporation for National & Community Service, and the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies, AmeriCorps VISTA members will join Jewish organizations to increase capacity to serve Holocaust survivors in California, Illinois, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. VISTAs are one-year full-time volunteers trained and committed to building capacity to serve populations in need. Recruitment for VISTA participants is underway in preparation for a launch this fall. Read the full press release.

Federations Welcome New Israeli President-Elect 

Last week, The Jewish Federations of North America congratulated Israeli President-Elect, MK Reuven Rivlin. In a letter sent to the incoming President, Federations spoke of “strengthening the bonds between Israel and Diaspora Jewry,” and “placing a strong emphasis on ensuring that all Jews feel comfortable, and are respected, in the Jewish state.” Read the full letter.

Security Conference Addresses Jewish Community

International security experts and Jewish leaders from around the world gathered last week at JFNA for the second annual Secure Communities Network (SCN) Security Leadership Summit. The senior security professionals coordinated best practices in security strategy and worked to strengthen global partnerships to protect Jewish communities in the wake of several deadly anti-Semitic attacks. SCN is the national homeland security initiative of JFNA and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. See more details here.

Health and Long-Term Care Summit

Health and long term care issues are among the Jewish community’s most pressing concerns. This week, JFNA hosted the 2014 Health and Long-Term Care Summit, which brought together advocates and professionals to discuss Medicare & Medicaid Reform, Long-Term Care Delivery and prevention of Jewish genetic diseases. Summit participants focused on identifying new ways to collaborate and realize mutual objectives that leverage funding from the government, for-profits and foundations. During the two day gathering, the group met noted trade association executives and leading decision makers in Congress and the Administration.

Create a Jewish Legacy Professional Leadership Gathering

On June 22, Federation professionals from more than 40 communities will convene in Chicago to address the implementation of and involvement in Create a Jewish Legacy programs. These efforts have so far raised more than $686 million in communities across North America. Create a Jewish Legacy is a national JFNA program that engages Federation, agencies, synagogues and other partners in a community-wide effort to create bequests and encourage permanent endowments. For more information, please contact Joe Imberman