A moving evening with Kibbutz Nir Oz leaders at the Bender JCC highlighted profound stories of loss, resilience, and rebuildingāunderscoring whatās possible when grassroots partnerships like Kesher Nir Oz bring communities together across continents.
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Israel Connections
Building bridges. Strengthening peoplehood. Deepening connection.
For decades, Federation has worked with global partners to ensure that wherever Jews live, they feel connected, supported, and part of a shared story.
Today, that mission is more urgent and more personal. Since October 7, our commitment to Israel and Jewish peoplehood has only deepened. We are advancing a unified strategy that combines global partnerships, local engagement, and targeted philanthropy to strengthen the bond between Greater Washingtonās Jewish community and Israel, now and for generations to come.
Grounded in Relationship. Built for Impact.
Through a unified strategy of global partnerships, local engagement, and targeted philanthropy, we are strengthening the bond between Greater Washingtonās Jewish community and Israel now and for generations to come.
Global Responsibility
In partnership with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and World ORT, we strengthen Jewish life in Israel and in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Together, we care for vulnerable Jewish communities, respond in times of crisis, and ensure that wherever Jews live, they feel supported and part of our shared story.
Strategic Partnerships
With partners like Kibbutz Reāim and the Kinneret Valley Cluster, we co-create high-impact projects that support recovery, build resilience, and deepen cross-community ties.
Together, weāre strengthening trust, adapting to evolving needs, and building meaningful connections between Israelis and our Greater Washington community.
Connections at Home and Abroad
Our work is rooted in people-to-people engagement. Here in Greater Washington, 11 community shlichim (Israeli emissaries) bring Israel to life through Hands-On Israel and immersive experiences in schools, synagogues, JCCs, and more.
Fast Facts
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$ 4 M+
annually invested in Israel-focused programs and emergency response
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11
Shlichim embedded across local institutions, sparking connection every day
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2
flagship partnerships advancing recovery, resilience, and long-term renewal after October 7
These core principles guide how we strengthen connections to Israel:
- Relational: We prioritize trust and collaboration over transactional giving.
- Community-informed: Strategies are shaped by active listening and feedback from both Greater Washington and Israeli partners.
- Integrated & adaptable: We align local initiatives, overseas partnerships, and crisis response into a flexible framework that responds to both challenges and opportunities.
- Collaborative & committed: Our Israel Committee and trusted partners guide our long-term investmentsāfocusing on enduring relationships over one-off programs.
Nearly two years after October 7, a new video brings the first proof of life for hostage Alon Ohel. As Greater Washington prepares a Sukkah of Hope near the White House, our community refuses to forgetāor give up.
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From Cambodia to Greater Washington, Hilaās journey reflects a dynamic blend of global Jewish service, cultural identity, and personal connection. As Federationās Educational Engagement Shlicha, sheās deepening regional ties to Israel through inclusive, relational leadership.
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In a time of moral complexity and internal conflict, our community is grappling with fear, grief, and uncertainty over Israel, antisemitism, and Jewish identity. This reflection urges us to stay in relationship despite discomfort and to lead with compassion through the divides.
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The Fund for Women and Girls, powered by the Jewish Community Foundation, is transforming philanthropy by closing the funding gap for women and girls in Greater Washington and Israelāmobilizing millions through collective giving, long-term partnerships, and bold leadership.
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When rockets fall and seconds matter, Israelās medical professionals deliver lifesaving trauma care.
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Federationās Israel & Overseas strategy sustains strong connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Through core allocations and targeted grants, we strengthen global Jewish life, respond to urgent needs, and expand opportunities for local engagement with Israelās people, society, and culture. Together, we are sustaining global Jewish life, standing with Israel, and creating opportunities for lasting connection across borders.
Core Allocations
Ongoing funding that supports critical global capacity and people-to-people connections:
- Supporting aliyah and global Jewish needs through the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), $1,292,744
- Expanding impact through the Shlichim Program in Greater Washington, $700,000 (12 shlichim across the region)
- Caring for vulnerable populations via the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), $812,000
- Enabling peer Israel travel through Birthright Israel, $214,000
- Advancing equality through the Social Venture Fund for Jewish-Arab Equality and Shared Society, $60,000
- Supporting global Jewish education through World ORT, $24,000
Programmatic Grants
Supporting innovative Israeli organizations and initiatives that align with Federationās new Israel Strategy:
- Expanding dialogue with the Arava Institute, $50,000
- Strengthening leadership with Berl Katznelson Initiatives, $125,000
- Building inclusive communities through Pnima, $80,000
- Nurturing social leadership with Shaharit, $70,000
- Engaging culture and identity with Jerusalem Season of Culture, $25,000
- Training Ethiopian Israeli women in tech careers through Tech Careers, $25,000
- Additional grants supporting education, diversity, and social change ($110,000 combined)
Local Israel Engagement
Federation also invests in connecting Greater Washington directly to Israel through:
- Israel Quest scholarships for teens, lowering barriers to immersive Israel travel
- Mishlachat (Shlichim Program), bringing Israeli emissaries into congregations and community spaces
- Federationās Israel Office, deepening partnerships, monitoring impact, and creating meaningful travel experiences
Your values. Your impact.
Israel-focused giving strengthens strategic partnerships, immersive programs, and real connections that support Israelās recovery, resilience, and future.
Your support delivers trauma care and emergency aid, provides mental health services, invests in vulnerable communities like Kibbutz Reim and the Kinneret Valley, and uplifts marginalized groups in Israel, including LGBTQ+ youth, Druze women, and Israeli Arabs.
Direct your impact