News & Updates from Federation

Israel & the United States at War with Iran Special Update

Wednesday, March 18

Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)

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.

The Future Is Human

Friday, March 13

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

As AI transforms everyday tools—from expense tracking to data analysis—it also reminds us of something essential: the enduring value of human connection. In a rapidly automated world, Jewish community, in-person gathering, and shared wisdom remain powerful forces for meaning and belonging.

Beit Shemesh, The City that Shaped Me

Wednesday, March 11

Yismaw, Federation community shaliach (Israeli emissary)

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.

Meet Vanessa Sax

Wednesday, March 11

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.

Building Jewish Community from Day One

Tuesday, March 10

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.

Federation Mobilizes Emergency Support for Communities in Israel

Tuesday, March 10

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.

Looking beyond the headlines in Israel

Friday, March 6

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

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.

Watch a Live Update from Israel

Thursday, March 5

Robin Hettleman Weinberg, President, and Gil Preuss, CEO, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

As missile sirens send families rushing to safe rooms, the director of Federation's Israel Office shares a live update from Israel on resilience, trauma, and how our community is responding with urgent support and solidarity.

An Update on Our Response in Israel

Monday, March 2

Robin Hettleman Weinberg, President and Gil Preuss, CEO, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

As war with Iran escalates and Israeli families return to bomb shelters, Federation stands firmly with Israel—allocating $250,000 for urgent relief, reinforcing community security through JShield, and mobilizing long-term support in close coordination with partners on the ground.

Purim Joy Means No One is Left Behind

Friday, February 27

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Purim calls us not only to celebration, but to give directly to those in need. Through $1.85M in funding, Federation provides critical relief, dignity, and hope to those facing hardship.

Four Years In, Our Responsibility Remains

Tuesday, February 24

Four years into the war in Ukraine, intensified attacks continue to disrupt daily life—yet Jewish life endures. Through Federation’s global partners, nearly 57,000 vulnerable Jews have received care, while thousands engage in Jewish Agency programs, camps, and Aliyah preparation.

Eight Weeks. 100 points. A Whole New Financial Future.

Monday, February 23

After eight weeks at Tzedek DC’s Financial Empowerment Program, 98% of participants made tangible financial changes—from raising credit scores by 100 points to paying down debt—gaining not just stability, but lasting confidence with support from Federation investment.

A Defining Year of Jewish Giving

Monday, February 23

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

In a year that tested our resilience, 6,600 donors mobilized $68.6M through The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Annual Campaign and Jewish Community Foundation—strengthening Jewish life, expanding security, and building a more connected, resilient Jewish future.

Disagreement Need Not Mean Distance

Friday, February 20

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Amid political polarization, antisemitism, and deepening debates about Israel, Federation reflects on what we owe our community now—building durable bridges, engaging the full range of voices, and strengthening connection to Jewish life, Israel, and one another.

How should Jewish organizations respond to the growing criticism of Israel from inside our communities?

Friday, February 20

New surveys from Jewish Federations of North America and Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston reveal widening divides over Zionism, especially among younger Jews — prompting a call for expansive, inclusive Zionism that embraces debate while reaffirming commitment to a Jewish and democratic Israel.

From Fragmentation to Framework: A Regional Leadership Conversation

Thursday, February 19

Lois Kimmel, Director of Convening, Leadership and Learning

As leaders navigate belonging and boundaries, safety and pluralism, Federation and the Shalom Hartman Institute convened more than 60 senior and emerging leaders for a candid conversation on holding complexity with clarity to strengthen Jewish life across Greater Washington.

Disability Inclusion Is a Journey: Partnering to Expand Access and Belonging at the Capital Jewish Museum

Thursday, February 19

Lisa Handelman, Director, Inclusion & Belonging

On September 12, 2025, the Federation’s Disability Inclusion Advisory Group visited the Capital Jewish Museum, engaging in thoughtful dialogue to strengthen access and belonging across Jewish institutions in Greater Washington and advance inclusion as a shared community value.

Strengthening Jewish Life While Confronting Hate

Friday, February 13

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Responding to Bret Stephens’ State of World Jewry address at 92NY, this reflection explores whether the Jewish community should prioritize fighting antisemitism or investing in Jewish education—arguing that we must strengthen Jewish identity and joy while also confronting hate head-on.