In response to recent missile attacks, Federation has issued over $378,000 in emergency grants to support shelter upgrades, trauma care, and displaced familiesâensuring recovery and resilience across northern Israel.
read more
Responding to Crisis
In moments of crisis, we show up.
In times of crisis, we respond with urgency and care, strengthening resilience through partnerships, emergency aid, and coordinated support.
Support in Israel
Our Israel response is led by deep local partnerships and a long-standing commitment to shared society and resilience.
Your support delivers:
- Trauma care and mental health support for those directly impacted
- Shelter upgrades for evacuees in the Kinneret Valley Cluster (KVC)
- Programs for displaced teens to regain comfort, dignity, and connection
- Lifesaving assistance for children with cancer through Sunrise Israel
Securing Jewish Life at Home
Through JShield, Federationâs community security initiative, we are helping organizations across the region stay safe and preparedâevery day and in moments of crisis.
Our security work includes:
- Emergency planning and training for staff and volunteers
- Physical security assessments and grant guidance
- Real-time coordination with law enforcement and Jewish security partners
- Rapid response to threats, including support during high-profile incidents
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Crisis affects us all differentlyâand healing takes many forms. We are here to help.
If you need support:
- Call J-Caring: 703-JCARING connects you to personalized mental health and financial assistance
- Seek counseling: Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA)Â offers therapy and grief support from clinicians attuned to Jewish needs
For children and families: For parents and caregivers navigating difficult conversations at home, PJ Library offers age-appropriate guides on how to talk to children about antisemitism and scary situations. These resources are simple, sensitive, and rooted in Jewish values:
In times of crisis, our strength comes from the resources we share with one another.
Explore additional trusted services and organizations that can help provide safety, support, and stability.
Coming soon!
Have a resource that could help others in a time of need? Weâd love for you to share it with us.
The Nova Exhibit brings the story of the Nova Music Festival attack to Washington, DCâhonoring the lives lost and elevating the voices of survivors through a powerful journey of tragedy, remembrance, and unbreakable resilience.
read more
As federal layoffs hit the Greater Washington area, the Jewish Federation is providing urgent financial and emotional supportâensuring no one in our community faces this hardship alone.
read more
As violence intensifies in Israel and antisemitic threats rise at home, the Greater Washington Jewish community rallies in solidarity. Federation is responding with urgent trauma care, shelter support, and enhanced local security through JShieldâmobilizing resources to protect and care for communities on both fronts.
read more
As Israel faces a large-scale missile and drone attack from Iran targeting civilian areas, the Federation mobilizes support through trusted partners and crisis infrastructure. From relocating young Onward Israel participants to coordinating with leaders on the ground, this moment underscores the power of preparation, partnership, and the enduring bond between Greater Washington and Israel.
read more
In a devastating antisemitic attack in Washington, DC, community members Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were murderedârobbing our community of two devoted peacebuilders whose lives were rooted in compassion and connection. As we grieve their loss, the Greater Washington Jewish community stands united in sorrow, strength, and a renewed commitment to confront hate together.
read more
Drawing on the metaphor of Heartbreak Hill, Gil reflects on the resilience required to meet yet another challenging moment for the Jewish communityâfrom renewed threats to Israel's security and urgent trauma relief efforts, to a national push for comprehensive Jewish community protection in the U.S. Amid exhaustion, he calls for unity, renewed purpose, and collective strength to advance vibrant Jewish life.
read more
Sunrise Israel brings healing and joy to Israeli children with cancerâeven amid war. Discover how expanded camps, emotional support programs, and Federationâs crisis grants are helping families find resilience during unprecedented challenges.
read more
When missile sirens sounded, Doron Kalaf moved 25 vulnerable residents to safety overnightâthanks to Beit Noamâs care and Federationâs trusted partnership, uninterrupted support was possible when it mattered most.
read more
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
Our Voice in the Media
In times like these, itâs vital to amplify voices offering comfort, clarity, and action.
Our CEO, Gil Preuss, has spoken widely about the pain and purpose of this moment. Below are key stories highlighting our communityâs response and resolve.
Full Interview: CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Washington speaks after couple killed DC News Now / NewsNation
Reflecting on the victimsâ lives, the impact on our community, and the urgent need for healing and security.
Local Jewish leaders express resilience, renewed effort to fight antisemitism after DC attack Yahoo! News
Community voices calling for strength, solidarity, and meaningful action.
âWeâre hurting really bad todayâ: Jewish leaders in D.C. ask for support, healing in wake of shooting WAMU
Leaders urging unity and support for those most deeply affected.
DCâs Jewish community reels from Israeli Embassy staffersâ killings” POLITICO
Insight into the heightened fears and renewed communal purpose in response to the tragedy.
A Nightmare That Weâve All Been Afraid Of The New York Times
The emotional toll of the shooting and the path forward for Jewish life in DC.