Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is an influential organization that aims to raise funds and unite Jewish communities across North America and beyond. Formed from a merger of several key groups, including the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) and the Council of Jewish Federations, the JFNA represents over 400 communities and numerous social organizations. It plays a critical role in supporting various charitable initiatives, raising between $2 and $3 billion annually to fund social and educational causes, making it one of the largest charitable entities in the region.
Historically, the organization has roots dating back to 1939, responding to the urgent needs of Jewish communities during crises such as the Holocaust. Key events, including the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018, have shaped its focus and priorities, leading to initiatives aimed at enhancing community security and supporting humanitarian efforts in Israel. In recent years, the JFNA has been actively involved in fundraising efforts during conflicts, such as the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to Jewish welfare and solidarity. The organization continues to adapt and respond to the changing needs of Jewish communities, reflecting a long-standing tradition of philanthropy and collective action.
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Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is a Jewish American organization whose purpose is to raise funds and to unite and support Jewish communities around the world. It also supports other charitable causes in various communities. Formerly known as the United Jewish Communities (UJC), the group was formed through the combination of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), the Council of Jewish Federations (CJF), and the United Israel Appeal (UIA), which each pursued similar goals. It represents over 400 Jewish communities, 140 Jewish Federation social organizations, and dozens of networked communities. The JFNA typically raises between $2 and $3 billion annually to support various social and educational causes, ranking it among the largest charities in North America.
The UJA was formally born in 1939, resulting from a union of the United Palestine Appeal, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and the National Refugee Service. At first, the groups did not trust one another, and the Council of Jewish Federations served as mediator. A History of the United Jewish Appeal 1939–1982 (1982), by Marc Lee Raphael, states that the catalyst for its formation occurred in Germany on November 10, 1938, Kristallnacht, meaning “Night of Broken Glass,” when Germans rioted against Jews, and many Jewish businesses were vandalized. Despite the atrocities of the Holocaust, American Jews remained fragmented. It was the Six-Day War in 1967, a triumphant victory for the Israelis, that served to solidify the organization’s credibility and reliability.
In Living UJA History (1997), Irving Bernstein states that Henry Montor, the UJA’s first executive vice president, established a union of disparate groups to support the organization. His initiatives strengthened the participation not only of religious Jews but also of less religious Jews, Christians, and women. Most of this work is carried on by local federations. A large percentage of the funds raised are donated to hospitals, clinics, community centers, universities, and museums.
In 1999, the UIA, UJA, and CJF agreed to merge into a unified national organization known as the United Jewish Communities (UJC). In 2009, the group officially changed its name to the Jewish Federations of North America.
In the twenty-first century, the JFNA raised funds for many Jewish causes. Following the 2018 synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the group raised funds to support Jewish communities across America to increase security systems. When the 2023 Israel–Hamas war began, the JFNA and its members began raising money to support Israel. One year later, the groups had raised over $850 million to help hospitals, medical centers, and various organizations, including the Jewish Agency for Israel, Israel Trauma Coalition, United Hatzalah, Magen David Adom, and Chabad. In 2024, the JFNA issued a statement opposing the Israeli resettlement of Gaza.
Bibliography
"About JFNA." Jewish Federations of North America, www.jewishfederations.org/about-jfna. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
Berkman, Jacob. "UJC's Name Change Official." Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 8 Oct. 2009, www.jta.org/2009/10/08/united-states/ujcs-name-change-official. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
"Israel & Overseas." Jewish Federations of North America, www.jewishfederations.org/about-jfna/israel-overseas. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
"Jewish Federations of North America." Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org/ein/131624240. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
Surkes, Sue. "Huge Post-October 7 Giving Boom from Overseas Brings Hope to Battered Frontlines." Times of Israel, 7 Dec. 2024, www.timesofisrael.com/huge-post-october-7-giving-boom-from-overseas-brings-hope-to-battered-frontlines. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.