After losing five students on October 7, Omer could hardly breathe in his classroom. Now, he leads a therapeutic gym for trauma survivors—just one story of resilience made possible by Federation’s $500,000 grant to JDC’s trauma-informed employment recovery program in Israel.
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Responding to Crisis
In moments of crisis, we show up.
In times of crisis, we respond with urgency and care, strengthening resilience through partnerships, emergency aid, and coordinated support.
Securing Jewish Life at Home
Through JShield, Federation’s community security initiative, we are helping organizations across the region stay safe and prepared—every day and in moments of crisis.
Our security work includes:
- Emergency planning and training for staff and volunteers
- Physical security assessments and grant guidance
- Real-time coordination with law enforcement and Jewish security partners
- Rapid response to threats, including support during high-profile incidents
Support in Israel
Our Israel response is led by deep local partnerships and a long-standing commitment to shared society and resilience.
Your support delivers:
- Trauma care and mental health support for those directly impacted
- Shelter upgrades for evacuees in the Kinneret Valley Cluster (KVC)
- Programs for displaced teens to regain comfort, dignity, and connection
- Lifesaving assistance for children with cancer through Sunrise Israel
Global Response
When Jewish communities around the world face crisis, Federation helps ensure they are not navigating those moments alone. Our global response is rooted in long-standing partnerships and the ability to act quickly when emergencies unfold.
Through partners including American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and The Jewish Agency for Israel, Federation support enables:
- Rapid deployment of professional teams in the immediate aftermath of crisis
- Trauma-informed care and support for affected individuals and communities
- Coordination with local leadership and partners to stabilize and recover
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Crisis affects us all differently—and healing takes many forms. We are here to help.
If you need support:
- Call J-Caring: 703-JCARING connects you to personalized mental health and financial assistance
- Seek counseling: Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) offers therapy and grief support from clinicians attuned to Jewish needs
For children and families: For parents and caregivers navigating difficult conversations at home, PJ Library offers age-appropriate guides on how to talk to children about antisemitism and scary situations. These resources are simple, sensitive, and rooted in Jewish values:
The federal shutdown is hitting home for many in our community, bringing financial strain, stress, and uncertainty. If you or your household is affected, you’re not alone. Below, you’ll find resources to help you navigate this moment and a place to share support with others who may need it.
Find Support & Resources
Mental Health & Well-Being
- J-Caring Support Line: For confidential support and referrals, call 703-J-CARING (703-522-7464).
- Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA): Therapy and grief support from clinicians attuned to Jewish needs. Learn more
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Many federal agencies offer EAPs that provide confidential counseling and support services to help employees manage personal and work-related challenges.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support and resources for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns during employment transitions. Learn more
Professional Services and Support
Local community members and organizations are stepping up to support those impacted by Federal layoffs.
- If you are seeking 1-on-1 counseling, please contact Mick Neustadt for confidential support.
- For professional career coaching and leadership support, June Kress is helping individuals build bridges inside and out.
- Pastoral care is available through GatherDC.
- Join the MILTON Federal/Federal-Adjacent Support WhatsApp group for help with job searches, resume writing, interviewing, and networking.
- Lauren Kessler is offering resume writing support and mock interviews.
- Stephanie Schwartz is available to talk with people interested in pursuing positions in the nonprofit sector and/or fundraising/development positions.
Search and apply for nonprofit Jewish communal jobs on JewishJobs.com. Sign up for their weekly newsletter. Job seeker services are free, and information submitted private and confidential, including your status as a job seeker.
Additional Resources & Partners
Explore more support from our trusted partners and organizations across the region.
- Bikur Cholim offers support to Jewish patients and caregivers.
- Hebrew Free Loan Unemployment and Furlough Loans: Interest-free loans of up to $18,000 (disbursed over 6 months) for those facing unemployment or furlough. Repayment begins after employment is secured or after 9 months (whichever comes sooner) or as soon as back pay is received from the furlough.
- JCADA supports victims of intimate partner violence to become empowered and live safely.
- JSSA’s Homecare program supports older adults with daily living and medication management so their loved ones can work with peace of mind. Interested in supporting an older adult living at home? Call 240-800-JSSA (5772).
- JSSA’s Meals on Wheels program provides daily nutritious, kosher meals delivered to older adults in Montgomery County, MD. Call 301-816-2612 to learn more.
- JCaring Care Navigation offers dedicated and hands-on support to help you access resources, build a care plan, and put it into action. Call 703-522-7464 or visit jcaring.org.
- Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital is matching families affected by federal job transitions (including those who need to return to the office in-person) with families that can help with before/after care, transportation, meals, and other needs. Fill out this form if you are in need of OR if you can offer support.
- Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network connects laid off Federal workers to free legal support through a network of pro bono attorneys.
Know your rights as a federal employee.
- Employment Rights Under Federal Law outlines the basic legal protections afforded to all employees.
- US Office of Personnel Management, Employee Rights and Appeals explains how federal employees can exercise their rights and appeal personnel decisions.
- US Office of Special Counsel, Your Rights as a Federal Employee describes protections against prohibited practices, including whistleblower retaliation.
- Accommodation to Qualified Employees with Disabilities details the rights of employees with disabilities and how to request reasonable accommodations.
- Prohibited Personnel Practices Including the Right to Appeal defines actions that violate federal employment law and the process to report or appeal them.
- Whistleblower Protections and Accompanying Resources supports employees who report wrongdoing, with guidance on protections and reporting procedures.
- Information on Civil Service Law provides an overview of the legal framework governing federal employment.
Have a resource that could support others in a time of need? Share it with us using the form below. If you’d like to share an event or program, please submit it to the Community Calendar.
How You Can Help
Small actions make a big difference.
Whether you’re offering free or discounted services like resume writing, professional coaching, or mental health support, or donating resources such as job leads, childcare, financial advice, or mentorship, your contribution can make a difference. From career guidance to emotional support, we’d love to feature what you’re able to offer on this page. Let us know
Your generous support helps ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our community. Donate here
Federal Employees Legal Defense Network
The Federal Employees Legal Defense Network is uniting lawyers to assist current or former federal workers through a central hub to connect them with opportunities to provide much needed representation. If you have experience representing federal employees or have already participated in a training, signup for the preliminary interest list here: We The Action’s Public Service Legal Response Center.
Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network
The Legal Defense Network urgently supports federal workers facing termination or adverse actions, recruiting volunteer lawyers to provide counsel amid overwhelming demand. This offers law firm associates a valuable pro bono opportunity with extensive training, support, and malpractice coverage, qualifying under APBCo standards.
After the attack in Australia, JShield and Federation sprang into action—not out of fear, but because years of preparation, training, and trusted relationships make all the difference when security truly counts.
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In response to the tragic attack in Australia, we reaffirm our commitment to Jewish safety in Greater Washington through JShield, stand with the global Jewish community, and call for vigilance against antisemitism everywhere.
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In a year of crisis and uncertainty, local heroes across Greater Washington rose to the challenge, providing vital services through Federation’s network of partners. Their impact shows that empathy and resolve are powerful tools in helping our Jewish community meet adversity with strength and care.
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Recently unearthed 1940s UJA minutes reveal a powerful legacy of Jewish communal leadership—reminding us, as year-end matches launch, that stepping up is who we’ve always been.
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A new school in the Galilee—the first in 47 years—is part of Homeward/Habaita, a bold initiative strengthening Israeli communities through education. See how your support is helping 36,000+ students thrive in the face of crisis.
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When federal layoffs and funding changes in early 2025 created sudden financial strain for many in our community, Federation responded quickly with direct support and long-term strategies. Our Individuals and Families in Need (IFN) approach provides immediate relief while collecting critical data to strengthen future anti-poverty initiatives. Together, we are making sure no one in Jewish Greater Washington faces crisis alone.
How We Responded
- Emergency Relief: Partnering with community rabbis to deliver emergency cash assistance for rent, utilities, food, and medical needs.
- Data Collection: Monitoring enrollment and financial aid requests across schools and camps to understand the ripple effects of the crisis.
- Resource Hub: Launching a one-stop online page to connect families with available programs and services.
Explore Our Investments
Targeted grants provide cash assistance, food support, and essential services for the most vulnerable in our community:
- Providing Medical, Mental Health, and Dental Care Assistance, Bikur Cholim, $40,000
- Offering Debt-Consolidation Loans, Hebrew Free Loan, $70,000
- Supporting Jewish Survivors of Domestic Abuse, JCADA, $40,000
- Connecting families through the Care Navigator Program and J-Caring Warmline, JSSA, $100,000
- Delivering Emergency Cash Assistance, JSSA, $70,000
- Ensuring Food Assistance during Rosh Hashanah and Passover, Yad Yehuda, $40,000
