After a deadly Iranian missile strike on Beit Shemesh, Federation shaliach Yismaw reflects on the city that shaped him, the worry for family and friends back home, and the warmth and solidarity he has felt from the Greater Washington community during this painful time.
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Supporting urgent needs & strengthening Jewish life
Support Israel
Responding to the Crisis in Israel
As the war with Iran continues, we are mobilizing immediate relief and sustaining our long-term partnerships to support communities across Israel.
For the latest updates, click here. You can also find upcoming verified briefings on our events page.
Photos, top: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP. From left: Erik Marmor/Getty Images; Rami Slush/Reuters
Building meaningful, personal connections to Israel and Israelis.
A strong connection to Israel enhances our individual and collective American Jewish experience. Feeling part of a global Jewish family and connected to the Jewish homeland is one of the gifts of Jewish identity. Our role is to help people pursue and deepen those ties and form connections with Israel and Jewish peoplehood that feel real, nuanced, and personal.
Ready for Summer Adventure
A first Jewish overnight camp experience can be life-changing—and now’s the time to make it happen. Through One Happy Camper, eligible first-time campers can receive grants of up to $1,000 toward summer 2026.
Whether it’s friendship around the campfire or discovering new ways to grow Jewishly, this is the summer they’ll never forget.
Catch the Roundup
Whether you’re planning your weekend, exploring ways to give back, or catching up on community news, you’ll find something meaningful here.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Inspiring a Strong, Connected Jewish Community
Across DC, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland, we bring people, organizations, and resources together to take on our community’s biggest challenges. As a hub for bold ideas and collective action, we empower Jewish Greater Washington to imagine what’s possible and shape what’s next.
We’re building a vibrant Jewish future—rooted in care, belonging, and bold purpose. A future where every person feels seen and supported. Where Jewish learning thrives, Jewish peoplehood and Israel are embraced, and our values come to life in the ways we lead, give, and show up for one another.
Stronger Together: Our Impact in Action
Vanessa Sax joined Federation to focus on strategy and community building in Northern Virginia, bringing experience in Jewish communal leadership and a passion for strengthening connection and belonging across the region’s Jewish community.
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As the war with Iran continues, Federation remains closely connected with partners across Israel and the broader Federation network. We will continue sharing updates, briefings, and recordings as new information becomes available.
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Through a new funding opportunity, Federation invites local organizations to create programs for children ages 0–8 and their parents—helping families connect early to Jewish life, community, and one another.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington approved $125,000 in emergency allocations to support medical care, trauma response, and community needs across Israel following recent attacks—part of a $250,000 emergency response mobilizing local and global partnerships.
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As the conflict with Israel and Iran unfolds, Federation and our partners are helping meet urgent needs. From emergency aid and mental health support to childcare for frontline medical staff, we're ensuring Israelis receive critical assistance beyond the headlines.
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Inspiring the next generation
Through mentoring, meaningful volunteering, and vibrant Jewish-life experiences, we empower teens and youth across Greater Washington to lead, learn, and belong.
Empowering leadership
We’re dedicated to identifying and nurturing Jewish leaders across Greater Washington, providing a variety of experiences to help them grow and lead.
Securing our community
Through expert assessments, grant support, training, and trusted partnerships, JShield, our community security initiative, works hand-in-hand with Jewish organizations across Greater Washington to build a culture of security rooted in care and confidence.
Combating antisemitism
Together with community leaders, partner organizations, and you, we are transforming fear into focus, and frustration into forward momentum.
Responding to crisis
Whether it’s a natural disaster, local challenge, or geopolitical emergency, we’re ready to respond quickly, thoughtfully, and with care, clarity, and action.
Connecting with Israel
Through our Community Shlichim and Hands-On Israel programs, we’re proud to create opportunities for our community to connect with Israel on a deeper level—understanding its challenges and building lasting relationships with Israelis from all walks of life.
Building Jewish life in NoVA
Through neighborhood gatherings, family programs, and partnerships with local organizations, we’re helping Jewish life in Northern Virginia grow brighter, stronger, and more connected, one relationship at a time.
