Our May Impact Update focuses on the Jewish value of courage. From standing up to antisemitism on campus, to proudly honoring our Jewish heritage, to meeting the challenge of the mental health epidemic locally and in Israel, we celebrate the courage that allows us to confidently live out our Jewish values.
COMBATING ON-CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM
We support and empower Jewish college students to courageously confront the rising scourge of antisemitism on college campuses so they can live safe, joyful Jewish lives. We mobilized community leaders to send a letter calling on UCLA to enforce their policies, protect Jewish students, and restore normalcy to campus. The letter, our advocacy efforts, and our engagement with elected officials, helped lead to the closure of the encampment on UCLA’s campus. In collaboration with our partners at the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, we supported a graduation ceremony at USC Hillel, which created a positive and celebratory Jewish environment for the students. We also spread joy by supporting Hillel at UCLA’s celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, which showed students that one of the best ways to combat antisemitism is to live proud, thriving Jewish lives.
Our Campus Impact Network (CIN) is currently recruiting for its first-ever CIN Fellowship — a leadership training program that mobilizes and empowers local Jewish college students to effect positive change on campus. If you know someone interested in applying, please have them create an account by registering as an “Individual Applicant” in the “Portal Access” section of our site at JewishLA.org/CINFellowship.
CELEBRATING JEWISH HISTORY
May was Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). We honored the courage of the Jewish communal organizations who have made vital contributions to the vibrant fabric of our city and our country. This year, JAHM commemorated the Jewish value of commitment to service. We helped host an event at Los Angeles City Hall with elected leaders and community members that elevated the voices of Jewish service organizations and individuals that have meaningfully and systemically impacted all of Los Angeles. The event instilled in those who attended a sense of our rich history and a feeling of pride in our heritage. We also hosted an event on May 30th celebrating JAHM and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which featured a presentation of the first ever theater show about Asian American Jews. The event was held in partnership with The Braid, The LUNAR Collective, and Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky’s office, as well as other community partners.
To learn more about JAHM, access additional resources, and watch this year’s JAHM video, visit JewishLA.org/JAHM.
SUPPORTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF ALL JEWS
Meeting the challenge of the mental health issues that affect so many in our community takes courage. May was also Mental Health Awareness Month. Locally, we continue to facilitate Resiliency Roundtables, where professionals from Jewish organizations learn from mental health clinicians and experts on how best to care for Jews who are struggling. Our investment in this space is extensive. We provide access to affordable mental health support including sliding scale one-on-one therapy, insurance navigation, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, and more. We also addressed the mental health needs of those in Israel. Together, with our partners at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, we launched the National Emergency Resilience and Mental Health Initiative. This multi-million-dollar effort offers tailored mental health services to thousands of Israelis suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression in the aftermath of October 7th. We will continue to give our love and care to the many courageous Israelis coping with the ongoing ramifications of the war.
For more information, call our community call line at (855) JFED-HLP or visit JewishLA.org/CaringforJewsinNeed.
JFEDLA acts on shared values to create safe, joyful, and connected Jewish life in Los Angeles, Israel, and around the world. We care for our vulnerable by fighting poverty and combating antisemitism. We inspire by fostering Jewish journeys, building bridges, and developing leaders. Our dedicated partners, passionate staff, and your generosity make our work possible.
To make a gift, please visit JewishLA.org/Donate.