Category: Events & Gatherings

Through JShield, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s community security initiative, we work closely with law enforcement and Jewish institutions across our region to strengthen security, share real-time information, and coordinate response efforts across institutions that might otherwise operate independently. This work helps ensure that Jewish organizations across Greater Washington are not operating in isolation, but are prepared, connected, and supported in maintaining a safe and secure community.

Why coordination matters now

At a time when antisemitism continues to rise around the world, and in the wake of recent incidents targeting Jewish communities in Michigan, Amsterdam, and beyond, this kind of coordination is more important than ever. The JShield Security Summit is one way we put that coordination into action, bringing together community leaders, security experts, and law enforcement to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and align on how we respond to emerging threats.

Over the course of the day, more than 100 participants gained insights from JShield and partner experts, including regional law enforcement and federal officials who shared resources to help Jewish organizations strengthen their security. Sessions focused on practical guidance, from navigating the application process for federal nonprofit security grants to developing clear plans of action in response to potential threats.

Throughout the Summit, the depth of our partnerships was clear. Law enforcement leaders and security professionals from across the region showed up not just as participants, but as committed partners in this work. Many are not members of the Jewish community, yet they are deeply invested in helping protect it—a reflection of the trust and relationships built through JShield, and of the allies those relationships have created beyond the community itself.

Strengthening a shared security system

The Summit reflects Federation’s unique role in building a culture of security in Greater Washington. Through JShield, Federation connects Jewish institutions with the expertise, information, and resources they need to strengthen not only their security, but the security of the entire Jewish community. By bringing together partners who might not otherwise share the same space—from synagogue leaders to federal agencies—Federation is working to ensure Jewish institutions, as well as the people they serve, are safer, more prepared, and better equipped to respond when it matters most.

Learn more about JShield and how Federation is working to strengthen community security.

Prepared by Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Office
Shared by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Office has issued a detailed update on the rapidly evolving conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, including developments in Israel, the broader region, and guidance for Jewish institutions.

In a year when conversations about Israel often collapse under the weight of politics, pain, and fear, more than 30 community members came together at the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia for something different: honest dialogue rooted in listening, not debate.

The evening was hosted in partnership with the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and led by one of our community shlichim (Israeli emissaries), whose work bridges people, perspectives, and purpose across Greater Washington. Together, they created space not for agreement, but for connection.

Stories That Set the Tone

Arava alumni Brian Crann, Jawdat Kasab, and Arielle Ben-Hur opened the session by sharing their own experiences in dialogue at Kibbutz Ketura, where Palestinians, Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs, and others from across the region live and learn together.

Their stories didn’t shy away from pain or complexity. They grounded the room in something real.

Listening, Not Convincing

Then came the heart of the evening: small groups gathered with one goal—listen to understand. No debating, no fixing, just sitting with each other’s stories.

It wasn’t always easy. But it was real.

As one participant put it, “Meaningful conversations like these are often part of the solution.”

What We Carried Forward

Before leaving, each person shared one word they were taking with them:

“Curiosity.” “Compassion.” “Understanding.”

And most of all—“Hope.”

Staying in the Room

It didn’t take a panel or a facilitator to make the evening powerful. It took people willing to show up, listen, and stay in it together. That’s what our shlichim are helping nurture—quietly, consistently—across Greater Washington.

Learn more about how the shlichim are helping to build these bridges across Greater Washington.

This past Sunday, living rooms across Greater Washington filled with laughter, stories, and something deeper: a sense of belonging. More than 50 women gathered in DC, Maryland, and Virginia for Women’s Philanthropy Community Gatherings that sparked real conversation, connection, and community.

Many came with their mothers, or talked about them. Stories of Federation through generations echoed across the rooms: memories of parents hosting events, shaping Jewish life, and quietly passing the baton.

Each gathering also featured one of our Community Shlichim, who bringing personal stories, powerful perspective, and a tangible reminder that our connection to Israel is rooted in people, not just headlines.

Each gathering felt different—different homes, conversations, energy—but all left women feeling the same thing: connected.

In Maryland, women came together for an afternoon that felt deeply grounded and generous. One participant shared a personal reflection on recent loss and how this community has held her. The conversation that followed was honest and warm. Another spoke about Jewish identity and teen engagement, sharing insight that felt timely and real.“Very relatable and poignant to the moment we’re in,” one attendee said. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

In Virginia, the tone was joyful and full of small, meaningful moments, including one surprise reconnection between two women who hadn’t seen each other since Jewish day school in North Carolina back in 2005. The event felt like both a reunion and a doorway into something new.

And in DC, the gathering sparked conversations that felt alive with possibility. Women asked thoughtful questions, explored shared values, and reflected on how they want to show up—for themselves, for each other, and for Jewish life.

These weren’t just welcomes. They were starting points for friendship, for purpose, for whatever comes next.

Inspired to get involved? Explore how you can connect, lead, and grow with Women’s Philanthropy here.

In a year marked by rising antisemitism, contested narratives in classrooms, and growing pressures on civic spaces, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington has been a steady force—speaking up, showing up, and strengthening the public voice of Jewish Greater Washington.

Across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, the JCRC represents more than 100 synagogues, agencies, and organizations. They advocate for a strong U.S.–Israel relationship, protect the safety and rights of Jewish institutions, challenge misinformation in schools, and build meaningful partnerships across faith and civic lines.

As Federation drives long-term investment in Jewish life across Greater Washington, the JCRC leads our community’s advocacy in the public sphere. Together, we’re advancing a shared commitment to safety, resilience, and the values that sustain Jewish life—through distinct roles, and with deeply aligned purpose.

On Wednesday, October 29 at 6:00 PM in Rockville, the JCRC will host its Annual Gala, honoring:

• Eva Davis (Distinguished Service Award)
• June and David Trone (Breslau–Goldman Award)
• Behn Dayanim (Sara and Samuel Lessans Community Leadership Award)

Co-chaired by Eilleen Filler‑Corn and Bambi Kramer, the evening will spotlight leaders who model what it means to act with courage, clarity, and commitment, especially in moments that demand all three.

This is a moment for all of us to show up for the people and partnerships strengthening Jewish life and a chance to recognize the leadership guiding us through challenge and change. We’re honored to stand with the JCRC in this work, and to celebrate the impact we’re making together toward a shared vision of Jewish Greater Washington that is strong, secure, and deeply connected.

When Women’s Philanthropy set out to create a signature gathering for the Lions of Judah community, the goal was simple but ambitious: to build something that felt both celebratory and essential. A space to honor stories. A moment to deepen connections. A tradition worth beginning.

Held at the Four Seasons in Georgetown, this inaugural event on Monday, September 15, brought together more than 150 women for a morning of inspiration, reflection, and connection. More than a brunch, L’Chaim was a powerful reminder of what happens when women gather with intention. When leadership meets legacy. When stories are shared freely, and futures are shaped collectively.

From Welcome to Why

You could feel it immediately. It was a celebration of shared values, lived leadership, and the power of women’s philanthropy to shape our community.

Co-Chairs Yvonne Schlafstein Distenfeld and Irene Sherman set the tone: this wasn’t a day to sit back—it was a day to reflect, to honor, to energize.

Yvonne shared:

“There’s something truly powerful about bringing so many women together in one room—it’s inspiring every time. I’m in awe of the energy, strength, and spirit of being surrounded by such extraordinary women!”

Stories That Moved Us

Wendy Sachs, our guest speaker, took the stage with a lens into her world and her work as director and producer of the documentary, October 8, and her view of what it means to be a woman showing up in today’s world. Her stories didn’t just highlight antisemitism, they challenged us to consider how we use our voices, our resources, our courage.

Her message resonated deeply with the room. One Lion said:

“Wendy Sachs was so eloquent and inspiring and I loved hearing her speak. I was impressed how she talked about her audience being a global one (which we certainly need).”

Another Lion added:

“Wasn’t Wendy Sachs amazing? She was just as engaging and interesting as she could be.”

A Story Close to Home

Among the most moving moments of the morning came when Marianna Ashin, Lion of Judah Chair, stood to share her personal journey—from a young refugee arriving in the U.S. to a proud Jewish leader helping others write their own Federation stories.

Marianna spoke of leaving everything behind in 1989; her home, her extended family, and her familiar world in Kyiv. She recalled standing on a train platform with her parents and brother, holding only a pair of suitcases and an unwavering sense of Jewish identity.

“While we may have made a leap of faith by getting on that plane,” she said, “Federation was there to catch us when we landed at JFK.”

The room was quiet as she described how Federation gave her family not just resources, but dignity: language classes, job support, school supplies, summer camp. A kitchen full of groceries. A Jewish home in a new land.

“The Jewish Federation didn’t just help us get by. You helped us imagine what could come next, and gave us the tools to pursue.”

Her story reminded everyone in the room exactly why their giving matters.

“Without Jewish Federation. Without you. I am not here—standing in front of you. Sharing my story.”

The Strength in the Room

What made the morning unforgettable wasn’t just the speakers or the setting; it was the women who filled the room. Each one carrying a legacy of giving, each one committed to community.

“It was fun to connect with old friends and also meet new ones,” said one Lion. “What a spectacular event!”

Another reflected on what made the gathering so meaningful:

“I am so glad I came today! It was a beautiful event, and I learned so much from the stories that the women told.”

A Moment, A Movement

L’Chaim was about the quiet confidence that comes from standing shoulder to shoulder with women who believe in tikkun olam, repairing the world, and who act on that belief every day.

“This event was a huge success,” one Lion shared. “It has all the markings of a program to have every year before the holidays.”

Thank You

To all who joined us, thank you. Your stories enriched the fabric of our community. And your leadership, quiet or bold, helps move Jewish Greater Washington forward.

We are grateful to our host committee, our Women’s Philanthropy leaders, our Co-Chairs, and all who brought their time, energy, and commitment to this celebration.

If you’d like to learn more about the Lions of Judah giving society, please contact Becca Ginns at becca.ginns@www.shalomdc.org or (301) 230-7236.

More than 700 days have passed since October 7—nearly two years since that horrific morning tore through Israeli life.

And for every one of those days, dozens of hostages have remained in Gaza, held by Hamas in conditions we can barely imagine. Today, that number stands at 48. It’s believed that 20 are still alive.

Among them is Alon Ohel.

A Glimpse of Life

Last week, for the first time since he was taken, we saw Alon.

In a Hamas video, another hostage—Guy Gilboa Dalal—is paraded through Gaza, pleading for his life. Alon appears beside him. A single, fleeting moment. A moment that marks the first visual proof Alon is still alive since October 7, 2023.

It means something. For his family, it means everything.

Until now, they had nothing. No photo. No message. Nothing since Alon disappeared from a shelter near Kibbutz Re’im, after escaping the Nova music festival massacre.

We now know from Hostage, a new book by survivor Eli Sharabi, who was held captive with Alon for months, that Alon was expected to be released in February. But the second-phase deal never came.

And so, seven months later, the agonizing wait continues.

This Sukkot, We Make Room for Them

As we look ahead to Sukkot, a time of shelter and solidarity, we’re preparing to turn our grief into action.

Together with the Hostages Families Forum, Adas Israel, and partners across Greater Washington, we will build a Sukkah of Hope in front of the White House.

A place to gather. To remember. To say out loud: they are still there. And we are still here.

Refusing to Look Away

Even in this unbearable reality, a single photo can mean everything.

It means someone is still alive.
It means their story is not over.
It means we still have time to bring them home.

And it means the world still needs to hold Hamas to account for these ongoing atrocities and the suffering inflicted on so many innocent lives.

We carry that truth into Sukkot, into the shelter we build, the space we hold, and the hope we refuse to let go of.

May this be the year they come home.
And may it also be the year of peace.

For Taylor M, a congregation administrator in Ashburn, the start of the school year and High Holidays once felt overwhelming. “These sessions are basically a checklist of the best ways to keep people safe during this time when they have other things on their mind,” Taylor shared.

This past Sunday in Fairfax, Taylor joined dozens of others in person and online from across Northern Virginia (and even as far as Blacksburg!) for one of JShield’s annual security trainings.

Northern Virginia is one of the fastest-growing centers of Jewish life in Greater Washington. But with congregations and schools spread across a vast geography, keeping everyone connected and secure comes with unique challenges. JShield’s presence in Northern Virginia brings tailored support, with a dedicated Community Security Advisor, meeting leaders where they are, ensuring no one face security concerns alone.

The back-to-school and High Holiday seasons are among the busiest for Jewish institutions across our community. These annual JShield trainings are just one of the ways JShield shows up as a thought partner, trusted resource, and expert guide—helping make even the most overwhelming scenarios feel manageable.

As Bob Green, Security Committee Member at Temple Beth Torah in Chantilly, explained:

“JShield has already vetted the tools and resources, and I can leverage them instead of starting from scratch. It’s a centralized repository of truth.”

Empowering Leaders Through Expertise

Taylor had no background in security or grants. But with JShield’s guidance, she successfully completed a Nonprofit Security Grant application. “I probably would not have lasted in my job as long as I have without JShield,” she said. Over time, repeated trainings became part of her preparation routine—especially before the High Holidays.

Together, We Are Prepared

For our community, safety is not a one-day effort. JShield’s year-round work gives leaders in Greater Washington the confidence to open their doors without hesitation, knowing they have the training, expertise, and community behind them. In an era of rising antisemitism, that shared strength makes all the difference.

Join JShield for the Final Back-to-School and High Holidays Training Session

Our final training of the season will be held on Thursday, September 7, in Washington, DC. This session will equip you with practical tools and peace of mind—so that you and your organization can face the future with strength and confidence.

Can’t make it to this final training, but have questions for our security experts? JShield is here 365 days a year.

As the Jewish community of Greater Washington prepares for the High Holidays and the start of a new school year, safety and security remain a top priority. That’s why JShield—The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s security initiative—is once again offering community-wide trainings designed to empower participants, strengthen institutional readiness, and foster a shared sense of responsibility.

“The main reason we do the trainings around the High Holidays is because we’re aware that there are people who may be coming to synagogues or other institutions for the only time this year,” said Rusty Rosenthal, Federation’s Director of Security. “We re-emphasize situational awareness, active threat training, and the basics of how to report incidents.”

This year, the trainings will take place on:

• Sunday, August 17
  6:00 PM
  Fairfax, VA
• Sunday, August 24
  6:00 PM
  North Bethesda, MD
• Sunday, September 7
  6:00 PM
  Washington, DC

Straying one step ahead

Each year, JShield develops its content to reflect the most current intelligence and incident reporting. The sessions are designed to highlight not only trends from the past year, but also practical steps that community members can take to feel more prepared and less vulnerable.

“The goal is to take this training so that you leave with a feeling of empowerment—so that we’re not helpless and we’re not just victims of our circumstances,” said Rosenthal. “It’s imperative that we take ownership and take responsibility for our own security.”

What sets these seasonal briefings apart is their broader reach. While JShield works year-round with executive directors, heads of school, and security personnel, the High Holidays are designed to welcome everyone—especially those who might not be affiliated with a specific institution.

“By engaging with institutions, we’re not necessarily engaging with the entire Jewish community of Greater Washington,” Rosenthal explained. “That’s why we host these sessions. We want to make sure everyone has access.”

JShield encourages institutions to share these opportunities widely. For those already coordinating private trainings for their schools or synagogues, these community-wide sessions offer an accessible alternative for anyone unable to attend a site-specific program.

Staying vigilant as antisemitism rises

Planning ahead is key. “You can’t put together a security plan three days before an event,” Rosenthal emphasized. “We always recommend involving JShield and your local law enforcement early so appropriate preparations can be made.”

While the threat environment remains elevated, JShield’s message is one of vigilance—not fear. “Absent any new information, there are no directed, targeted threats we’re aware of. Institutions should remain open and celebrate collectively,” Rosenthal said. “But we must do so with awareness.”

The trainings are open to everyone in the community. The deadline to register for each session is one week prior. The first training on August 17 will also be available virtually. To learn more and to register, visit our website.

How do you save a life when seconds matter and rockets are falling?

That’s the question Israel’s medical professionals have been answering every day since October 7. In field hospitals, trauma bays, and combat zones, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps is delivering trauma care under extreme conditions—stabilizing the wounded, treating mass casualties, and innovating in real time.

They’re not just responding to crisis—they’re reshaping what’s possible in battlefield medicine.

Today, the fatality rate for injured Israeli soldiers stands at around 7%—a dramatic drop from past conflicts. That kind of breakthrough doesn’t happen by accident. It takes strategy, speed, and relentless training. It takes care.

Behind the Breakthroughs: A Nationwide Effort

This life-saving work doesn’t stop on the battlefield. Across Israel, hospitals and trauma centers are stepping up in extraordinary ways:

• At Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, clinicians are pioneering cutting-edge rehabilitation—helping injured civilians and soldiers regain both function and hope.
• At Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, preparedness proved critical. Even as the hospital sustained damage from rocket fire, its teams saved lives when seconds counted most.
• In Sderot, the International Resilience Institute is helping survivors navigate the psychological toll of ongoing trauma with holistic, community-rooted care.
• At Magen David Adom’s underground blood center in Ramla, Israel’s emergency medical services are safeguarding the national blood supply and enabling rapid response—even under threat.
  These aren’t just facilities. They’re lifelines.

Our Community’s Impact

Through The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Israel Crisis Response grants, we’re helping fund this network of healing: trauma recovery, emergency preparedness, and medical innovation that directly supports Israelis facing physical and emotional wounds.

We don’t do this alone. We do it through trusted partners on the ground—and with the strength of our community behind us.

A Conversation That Brings It Home

Now, we’re bringing that story home.

Thanks to the initiative of the American Physicians Fellowship for Medicine in Israel (APF)—and in partnership with Kol Shalom—we’re honored to host Healing on the Frontlines on Wednesday, August 6, 2025: a rare and timely conversation with Brigadier General Dr. Zivon Aviad Beer, Surgeon General of the IDF Medical Corps. Dr. Beer will share firsthand insights into delivering trauma care on and off the battlefield.

Joining him will be Amir Goldshtein, Executive Director of APF, whose organization connects North American medical professionals to Israel’s healthcare system and invests in its long-term resilience.

Also in attendance will be LTC Dr. Roy Nadler, Director of the IDF’s Trauma and Combat Medical Branch, who will be available for conversations before and after the program.

Why It Matters Now

This is a chance to hear what it takes to care for others in the most extreme conditions—and how our collective support helps make that care possible.

This work is far from over. But thanks to the strength of our partners and the generosity of our community, we’re helping Israelis heal, adapt, and move forward. One act of care at a time.