The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is proud to fund and support projects in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world. We do this with our longstanding partners -- the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). At the same time, our Overseas Special Projects Committee works for months reviewing and evaluating projects in Israel that would be meaningful to Portlanders and serve a variety of needs.

I am pleased to share with you the projects we will be funding in 2026-2027 (several of which have been funded in past years):

Druze Youth Movement, established in 2001, is centered on instilling values rooted in Druze tradition, Israeli pride, and active citizenship -- bridging Druze and Israeli experiences. Funding will provide program coordination, transportation, materials for joint Druze-Jewish activities, cultural tours and volunteer projects, leadership and experiential activities, and evaluation and monitoring tools for program replication.

Foundation for the Welfare of Holocaust Victims (FWHV) ensures that Holocaust survivors in Israel can live with dignity, security, and a strong sense of belonging. Funding will help FWHV with financial assistance to over 300 vulnerable Holocaust survivors for medications and essential medical treatments, medical appliances (hearing aids and walking aids), and basic home furnishings.

Home for Every Child in Israel (BILY) was founded in 1975 to confront an issue that, at the time, was largely unspoken in Israeli society -- child abuse and neglect. For over five decades, BILY has provided specialized therapeutic and mental health responses for children who have experienced sexual abuse, severe neglect, domestic violence, and trauma. Funding supports extended therapy for high-risk families, the expansion of professional group treatment, and the development of standardized therapeutic games and tools.

Jordan River Village (JRV) was established in 2011 as Israel’s first year-round, fully accessible overnight camp for children with serious medical conditions. JRV developed a 64-acre campus purposely-built for accessibility and medical safety, including a licensed medical center, pharmacy, and specialized facilities that allow children with complex needs to participate fully. JRV now serves over 10,000 children annually through residential camps, day programs, family retreats, and off-site outreach. Funding supports a national training initiative for National Service volunteers to elevate the standard of care for Israeli children with special needs.

Kehilanu was created in 2025 as a response to trauma following October 7, 2023. Its mission is to shift trauma from an experience of isolation into a pathway for mutual support and collective healing. The program harnesses two proven, scalable treatment models -- professionally led therapeutic support groups and Trauma-Informed Community Building (TICB), adapting them for a diverse array of settings and needs. Funding will expand the delivery of professionally facilitated trauma-informed support groups, including facilitator costs, program coordination, participant outreach, and materials required for expressive therapeutic modalities such as art and collage.

Keren Ezra Lazulat focuses on providing specialized education and therapeutic support for special needs children, including those from underserved communities. Our funding will help establish a dedicated therapeutic pool and to purchase a specialized lift for safely lowering individuals with disabilities into the water.

NACOEJ (North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry) works toward the advancement and integration of the Ethiopian community into Israeli society, focusing on reducing educational gaps and providing equal opportunities for the Ethiopian community. Funding will support the continued implementation and expansion of the Academic Reinforcement Program for Ethiopian students residing in communities near the Gaza Strip affected by the recent war in southern Israel.

Neve Michael is a safe-haven for over 400 children-at-risk whose biological parents can no longer care for them. The program provides sustenance, education, therapy and a warm, caring, family-like environment for children who have suffered physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland petting zoo within the Emergency Crisis Center provides animal therapy for dozens of severely abused children each year. Funding will support Neve Michael’s Emergency Response Program, addressing the urgent need for expanded therapeutic sessions and additional tutoring support.

ReGrow Israel is a national agricultural initiative dedicated to revitalizing agricultural lands and supporting farming communities, especially in northern Israel. Today, farmers in the north are in crisis -- 1,250 acres of orchards and vineyards require replanting. Our funding will replant 220 plum trees across one acre of land in Moshav Margaliot, which was destroyed as a result of the war.

Ruach Nashit (Women’s Spirit), founded in 2007, is dedicated to promoting the economic independence of women survivors of abuse. At the heart of its mission is a transformative belief -- no woman can truly reclaim her life without financial independence. Funding will serve approximately 100-150 women survivors of abuse. Specifically, it will support professional case management, coordination of volunteer mentors and coaches, scholarships for vocational and academic training, employment workshops and professional mentoring, financial literacy programming, and rights advocacy.

Waves of Hope is a unique non-profit organization in Israel that utilizes surfing as an educational therapeutic tool to provide at-risk youth, ages 14-18, from religious backgrounds with an opportunity for rehabilitation and integration into normative society. It operates one of the few rehabilitation programs adapted to diverse populations, including traditional, religious, and ultra-orthodox individuals. Our funding will operate 10 therapeutic surfing groups for approximately 140 religious/ultra-Orthodox girls and boys who have experienced sexual abuse. Project expenses include professional surfing instructors, enhanced emotional and clinical support, equipment, insurance, and food.

Youth Futures works to close the widening gaps between Israel's most disadvantaged families and those from more affluent sectors -- gaps that have become even more visible and urgent over the past two years. It is a mentorship-based intervention program serving at-risk children across all sectors of Israeli society: secular, Orthodox, Druze, Arab, Christian, and Bedouin. Funding will support Youth Future’s Family Space project in Sderot. Aimed at bolstering family resilience, the family therapy program reinforces coping mechanisms, parental authority, and relationship dynamics to bridge divides and enhance overall functioning.

I am very proud of this list and the wide array of people served. Trust me, there were many more worthwhile programs we did not fund. Most importantly, these programs have nothing to with politics – just real people in Israel, from across the spectrum, who need assistance. We are happy to help provide the resources.

Speaking of real people, fitness pioneer, Gilad Janklowicz, passed away earlier this week at the age of 71. He may have been the most well-known Israeli who was not a politician in America. He inspired generations to stay healthy and active with his daily exercise show on ESPN, Bodies in Motion. May his memory be for a blessing.

Shabbat shalom and I hope all the students and teachers enjoy their summer break.