UJA-Federation of New York

Across New York, our partners — including 14Y Selah, Commonpoint NY, Island Quest Day Camp, JCC of Staten Island, and Jewish Agency for Israel — came together because showing up to celebrate with community is not a distraction from difficult times. It’s how we move through them.

This Purim, joy and community matter more than ever.

As war escalates in the Middle East and our hearts remain heavy, Purim reminds us of something enduring: even in moments of uncertainty and darkness, we are called to choose resilience. Connection. Joy.

Since October 7, UJA has provided more than $320 million to Israel – and we will continue to be in constant contact with our partners to meet evolving needs.

We pray for the safety of Israelis and US service members currently in the region.

With Israel once again caught in the grip of war, and over a thousand people already displaced by Iranian missiles, this afternoon we allocated an initial $2 million grant focused on meeting immediate needs on the ground.

Amir Tibon, award-winning journalist with Haaretz, and Mitch Silber, CEO of UJA’s Community Security Initiative (CSI) will share the latest developments on the war with Iran and how CSI is responding in real time to safeguard our Jewish institutions and community. 

Register: nyjewi.sh/briefing

Join us today at 2:30 pm for an urgent briefing on the unfolding events in the Middle East.

We'll continue to stay in close contact with our partners in Israel and here at home and will keep you informed as the situation evolves. May this war end quickly and decisively, ushering in a new era of security and stability in the region.

Here in New York, UJA’s Community Security Initiative team is working closely with the NYPD and other law enforcement partners to ensure appropriate protection around Jewish institutions and communal spaces.

UJA is in close contact with Israel’s Home Front Command and the National Emergency Authority to assess how we can support our network of partners on the ground providing critical services to Israelis under attack.

As Shabbat ends, our hearts are with the millions of Israelis seeking protection in bomb shelters from an Iranian regime sworn to Israel’s destruction. We pray for the safety of U.S. military personnel and the IDF on the frontlines – and for all peace-seeking civilians across the Middle East.

We convened synagogues to advance inclusion for people with disabilities. We strengthened Jewish unity on Long Island. And we stood with faith leaders at City Hall to protect safe access to houses of worship.

Read more from our CEO: www.ujafedny.org/news/finding...

In the midst of winter, we’re still finding warmth in our community.

Letters, Light and Love filled Carnegie Hall with a celebration of our enduring connection to Israel. Our nonprofit partners supported snowbound older adults.

Protect Our Schools And Shuls As antisemitism rises and Jewish institutions face ongoing threats, ensuring safe entry to synagogues and schools is urgent. Add your name now to tell the City Council that our community’s safety matt...

With an upcoming critical vote, let’s send a clear message: Our safety and security are not optional. Urge your City Council member to stand with our community: www.ujafedny.org/uja-action/p...

Every Jewish New Yorker should feel safe entering a shul or school.

NYC lawmakers are considering legislation to demand unobstructed access to shuls and schools – and your voice matters!

Marks JCH of Bensonhurst delivered Kosher meals to Holocaust survivors, bringing warmth straight to their doors.

And over at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, members traded the snow for an afternoon of winter games, hot chocolate, and connection – turning the clean-up into a moment of community.

As we climb out of the snowdrifts, our partners across Jewish New York keep showing up for each other. 💙❄️

At JASA Seniors, staff were out late into the night shoveling senior housing properties, keeping older adults safe and supported.

This is what community in action looks like. We hope you and your loved ones stay safe and warm.

Our partners, including Project ORE, SelfHelp Community Services, Shames JCC, and Marks JCH, are making thousands of wellness phone calls to seniors, checking that they’re warm, safe, and have the groceries and medical equipment they need to ride out the storm.

Even in a blizzard, our work keeping older New Yorkers safe doesn’t stop.

Filtering the News for a Vulnerable Population

Through our partner Selfhelp Community Services' Virtual Senior Center, survivors come together in a virtual safe space to watch and discuss the headlines – finding comfort with those who understand them best.

Read more: www.ujafedny.org/news/filteri...

Processing the news right now, alone, can be troubling for Holocaust survivors, since it often brings painful memories and trauma to the surface.

We're sharing how our partners and grantees, like Hillel, bring the New York Jewish community together. Share your moments with us using the hashtag
#JewishNewYork. 💙

They built benches at Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha, helping transform a place of destruction into something beautiful again. Sorted and packed food for displaced families. Listened, connected, and stood in solidarity.

Recently, students from our partner Hillel at Baruch joined fellow NYC-based Hillels for a meaningful volunteer trip to Israel.

Leaders Ready to Lead As we approach Presidents’ Day, a time to reflect on leadership and service, we’re reminded that those who guide our community carry extraordinary responsibility.

From rabbis and nonprofit leaders to educators and social workers, we’re helping develop Jewish communal professionals to strengthen and sustain our Jewish community, even in the most turbulent times.

Read more from our CEO: www.ujafedny.org/news/leaders...

Our community leaders carry extraordinary responsibility – especially today, a time of deep polarization and challenge.

14Y SELAH: A PAUSE THAT MATTERS, AND A COMMUNITY THAT GIVES MEANING

Through our partner, 14Y Selah, she – and so many others working towards recovery from addiction – found a safe space that offers not only healing, but a true sense of Jewish community.

Read more: www.ujafedny.org/news/14y-selah

After years in recovery, Karen felt disconnected from her Jewish identity – and longed for a place to belong.

Learn more about our work with Holocaust survivors:
www.ujafedny.org/community-in...

Thanks to our partner, COJECO, survivors and teens from Russian-speaking Jewish families came together for a meaningful joint b’nai mitzvah celebration – sharing the ritual of becoming bar and bat mitzvah across generations. 💙