In response to recent missile attacks, Federation has issued over $378,000 in emergency grants to support shelter upgrades, trauma care, and displaced familiesâensuring recovery and resilience across northern 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.
The federal shutdown is hitting home for many in our community, bringing financial strain, stress, and uncertainty. If you or your household is affected, youâre not alone. Below, youâll find resources to help you navigate this moment and a place to share support with others who may need it.
Find Support & Resources
- 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
- 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. Learn more
Share a Resource with the Community
Have a resource that could support others in a time of need? Share it with us using the form below. If youâd like to share an event or program, please submit it to the Community Calendar.
Securing Jewish Life at Home
Through JShield, Federationâs community security initiative, we are helping organizations across the region stay safe and preparedâevery 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
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Crisis affects us all differentlyâand 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)Â 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 Nova Exhibit brings the story of the Nova Music Festival attack to Washington, DCâhonoring the lives lost and elevating the voices of survivors through a powerful journey of tragedy, remembrance, and unbreakable resilience.
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As federal layoffs hit the Greater Washington area, the Jewish Federation is providing urgent financial and emotional supportâensuring no one in our community faces this hardship alone.
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As violence intensifies in Israel and antisemitic threats rise at home, the Greater Washington Jewish community rallies in solidarity. Federation is responding with urgent trauma care, shelter support, and enhanced local security through JShieldâmobilizing resources to protect and care for communities on both fronts.
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As Israel faces a large-scale missile and drone attack from Iran targeting civilian areas, the Federation mobilizes support through trusted partners and crisis infrastructure. From relocating young Onward Israel participants to coordinating with leaders on the ground, this moment underscores the power of preparation, partnership, and the enduring bond between Greater Washington and Israel.
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In a devastating antisemitic attack in Washington, DC, community members Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were murderedârobbing our community of two devoted peacebuilders whose lives were rooted in compassion and connection. As we grieve their loss, the Greater Washington Jewish community stands united in sorrow, strength, and a renewed commitment to confront hate together.
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Drawing on the metaphor of Heartbreak Hill, Gil reflects on the resilience required to meet yet another challenging moment for the Jewish communityâfrom renewed threats to Israel's security and urgent trauma relief efforts, to a national push for comprehensive Jewish community protection in the U.S. Amid exhaustion, he calls for unity, renewed purpose, and collective strength to advance vibrant Jewish life.
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Sunrise Israel brings healing and joy to Israeli children with cancerâeven amid war. Discover how expanded camps, emotional support programs, and Federationâs crisis grants are helping families find resilience during unprecedented challenges.
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When missile sirens sounded, Doron Kalaf moved 25 vulnerable residents to safety overnightâthanks to Beit Noamâs care and Federationâs trusted partnership, uninterrupted support was possible when it mattered most.
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A moving evening with Kibbutz Nir Oz leaders at the Bender JCC highlighted profound stories of loss, resilience, and rebuildingâunderscoring whatâs possible when grassroots partnerships like Kesher Nir Oz bring communities together across continents.
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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