#FedProud in the New Year

Happy 2021! 

 

There is no doubt that as we look back at 2020 we remember too many significant and painful losses and the many ways our community came together to meet the challenges brought by COVID-19. Amidst the sorrow, there is much we can take pride in.  

 

  • Federations supported Aliyah efforts that succeeded in bringing an unbelievable 20,000 new immigrants home to Israel despite the pandemic! In particular we are inspired by the renewal of Aliyah from Ethiopia which is reuniting families separated for far too long, made possible through our partnership with the Jewish Agency. Learn more about these exciting efforts in this I&O blog post and on the Jewish Agency’s dedicated webpage.
  • Through our partnership with JDC, Federations lent a helping hand to the world’s most vulnerable Jews in over 70 countries across the globe and helped young adults volunteer around the world using creative approaches developed by JDC's Entwine
  • And most movingly and unbelievably, even during a year when we were faced with immense need in our own local communities, Federations found the strength to support both those at home as well as overseas with vital unrestricted funds raised to support the work of our global partners The Jewish Agency for Israel, the Joint Distribution Committee and World ORT. What an incredible statement from North American Jewry on how much we value the connection with and well-being of our fellow Jews around the world.

 

Coronavirus in Israel
With Israel now leading the world in vaccinating against COVID-19 while fighting a worrying and growing third wave of infection, the Taub Center's 2020 Picture of the Nation video (02:51) provides a helpful and sobering overview of where the country stood pre-pandemic and what we can expect going forward. 

 

Building Community
Join the remaining JDC Board Forums and hear updates from field staff and expert speakers around the world. Each of the sessions delves deep into a different region or aspect of JDC’s global impact and the work Federations make happen around the world every day.

 

Take a look at this new exhibit created by the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot called Com.Unity. Everyone is invited to contribute images and information about what makes your community special.

 

Federation Women Celebrate I&O
We hope you’ve marked January 24 – 25th on your calendar and plan to join this year’s virtual International Lions of Judah Conference — the premier gathering of dynamic, philanthropic Jewish women. This year, the conference is open to all, free of charge! It’s a great opportunity to enjoy moving plenaries and impact spotlights for the Lions of your community, their daughters, granddaughters, nieces and friends! We’re hard at work on a number of special I&O segments in both plenaries and several impact spotlights dedicated to Federations’ overseas work. You won’t want to miss it! Register here, view the 1 minute video promo, and spread the word in your communities.