Our Jewish values teach us to embrace inclusivity, care for our neighbors, and to welcome. Our February Impact Update
WE INCLUDE THOSE WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES
One of the most rewarding aspects of our Federation’s work is seeing the positive impact we make on the lives of people with diverse abilities and their families. February is Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), which is part of a national effort to raise disability awareness and promote inclusion. On February 11th, a group of 40 volunteers, many of whom have diverse abilities, joined us for our Community Service Day at the L.A. Zoo. Together as a community, we painted and built food receptacles that will be used to care for our animal friends. Everybody who attended felt a sense of inclusion and a spark of Jewish joy.
Learn how to serve as an ambassador for inclusion by visiting JewishLA.org/JDAIM.
WE FORGE PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS DIVERSE COMMUNITIES
We recently launched our new United Leaders Project (ULP), a 10-month expert-led leadership training program that brings together civic leaders from diverse racial, faith, and cultural backgrounds from across Los Angeles. ULP fosters professional growth opportunities, bridge building, and community impact by encouraging learning and dialogue with diverse stakeholders to arrive at new insights. We kicked off 2024 with our ULP Civic Crawl. Participants immersed themselves in historic L.A. neighborhoods, engaged with community leaders, and delved into many systemic challenges the city faces. The weekend included a visit to Wilshire Boulevard Temple, LA Plaza, South Los Angeles, Koreatown, and engagement with many nonprofits deeply committed to impacting change. There was meaningful dialogue around community development, immigration, redlining, coalition-building, and initiatives to uplift local communities. JFEDLA is proud to lead this essential work.
Learn more about the ways ULP is creating the changemakers of tomorrow by visiting JewishLA.org/ULP.
WE WELCOME AND PROVIDE AID TO JEWISH REFUGEES
Supporting members of our Jewish family in need is integral to who we are as a Federation. We help Jewish refugees fleeing perilous situations safely relocate, whether they plan to make Israel their permanent home, or hope to safely return to their country of origin someday. For refugee families in crisis, we work alongside our partners to provide services such as job training, medical care, and social services to help ease their transition and struggle. Our informative webinar series, In Solidarity, In Strength, educates our community on a wide range of timely topics. On February 21st, the series focused on the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger with the webinar, “From Crisis to Hope: The Refugee Story and Our Jewish Advocacy Responsibility.” We convened a panel of experts to discuss ways we can better understand the experiences of individuals forcibly displaced from their homeland, our role as Jews and Americans in advocating for humane and just resettlement policies/procedures, the work for refugees being done locally, and how to get involved.
Check out the webinar, and see previous editions of the series, by visiting JewishLA.org/In-Solidarity-In-Strength.
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.