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.
When crisis affects Jewish communities, we respond with urgency and care—strengthening resilience through partnerships, emergency aid, and coordinated support that brings people, resources, and trusted organizations together to meet immediate needs and support recovery beyond the moment.
Our Approach to Crisis Response
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:
- Activate trusted local and global partners
- Coordinate rapid support where needs are most urgent
- Strengthen systems that help individuals, families, and communities recover
Our response is grounded in preparation, partnership, and long-term care, not just immediate reaction.
Support for Individuals and Families
Crisis affects people in different ways, and support doesn’t end when a specific moment passes. We work with a network of trusted partners to help individuals and families navigate hardship, uncertainty, and transition.
- J-Caring Support Line provides personalized care navigation connecting individuals and families to mental health and financial support
- Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) offers counseling, therapy, and support services from clinicians attuned to Jewish needs
- Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFL) provides interest-free loans that help individuals and families address urgent financial needs and stabilize during times of hardship
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