News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Nearly 60 Miami Lions of Judah joined 1,700 of the most dedicated women philanthropists at the International Lion of Judah conference over three powerful and emotional days last week in Atlanta.

Israeli nonprofit and Federation Women’s Amutot Initiative (WAI) recipient ItWorks is a shining example of how Federation support can help improve the lives of Israeli women. The organization, which equips marginalized populations with employable skills, has shifted some of its focus on efforts to train women impacted by the war.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is overjoyed to welcome home Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher and Romi Gonen after 471 days in captivity and remains committed to helping them and other released hostages and their families reintegrate into Israeli society.

Fourteen nonprofits have been selected to receive a total of $80,000 in 2025 Jewish Incubator Grants from Federation's Annual Campaign. Established 11 years ago, Jewish Incubator Grants provide funding to organizations, synagogues, agencies and schools to develop innovative and/or impactful programs, services, projects and technologies that support and enrich Miami’s Jewish community.

Two young Jewish Agency Israel Fellows are connecting with college students at the Hillels at FIU and UM as emissaries to help students feel empowered against antisemitism and expand their love of Israel.

Do you have an idea for a meaningful Miami-Yerucham Partnership project that will bring members of the two communities together? Proposals are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 grant year. Since the Partnership’s creation in 2007, residents of all ages from Miami and Yerucham have engaged in a wide range of educational, cultural and social projects and events that help participants learn about life in the other community and explore common goals.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Young Leadership Division (YLD) is hosting its Third Annual Masquerade Ball Fundraiser on Saturday, March 1. Chaired by Isaac and Eliana Mizrahi, the evening will bring together Jewish Miami’s next generation of leaders. Come ready for a night of dancing and giving back to the community.

Jewish Federations welcome news of a deal to release dozens of hostages, create a framework for releasing all the hostages, and allow Israel a path forward to protect the safety and security of its citizens

This year’s Women’s Amutot Initiative (WAI) grant recipients received more than $350,000, reflecting Federation’s unwavering commitment to champion marginalized female populations across Israel.

In the face of staggering antisemitism, sharing the lessons of the Holocaust with new generations is critical, which is why the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach has united with 3GMiami.

As part of a Jewish response to the devastating wildfires in southern California and the human tragedy that is unfolding, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is collecting donations to provide support and relief to fire victims and their families.

Federation continues to prioritize the wellbeing and resilience of teens and young adults in southern Israel. Through the Israel Emergency Fund, Federation is supporting the renovation and revival of the Shikma Educational Institution, an informal framework helping to encourage the next generation of leaders by instilling values of responsibility, leadership and unity through creative work in small group settings.

Join the Miami cohort helping to rebuild Gaza border communities on a solidarity mission to Israel, March 23-30. A group of Miamians, ages 21 and older, will spend eight days working alongside professional builders to help revitalize Israel’s war-torn south. The mission is facilitated by the nonprofit Livnot U’Lehibanot (To Build and Be Built), which, since October 7, has completed more than 250 restoration projects throughout communities and army bases on the Gaza border.

The Women's Impact Initiative (WII) Committee recently announced the grantees for the 2024-2025 fiscal year with nine local organizations receiving a total of $80,000 to provide opportunities for Jewish Miami’s women and girls to achieve social, economic, religious and political equality.

With 15 cinema-filled days, 130+ film premieres, 80+ exclusive virtual showings and a whole lot more, the 28th Annual Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) has something for everyone! Celebrated as the largest Jewish film festival in the world, MJFF runs January 9-23, with the kickoff taking place at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell outdoor amphitheater before expanding to eight additional venues across Greater Miami.

The Federation-funded Hillels of Florida received the 2024 Innovation Award at the recent Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA) in Boston. The HIGA honor recognizes bold and creative efforts that beneficially impact college students.

With Israeli industries severely impacted by the October 7 attacks, Federation is helping unemployed Israelis return to the workplace through rehabilitation and reskilling. We are helping both employers and the jobless from the construction, tourism and agriculture industries rebuild their businesses and lives.

Losing a beloved family member or friend can be one of life’s greatest challenges, which is why Federation’s Mishkan Miami offers valuable resources online to help mourners throughout the grieving process.