In July, we put the values of protection, courage, and solidarity in action by enhancing security at Jewish institutions serving children, creating a fellowship that will train the next generation of journalists to courageously tell Jewish stories, and launching a volunteer program that connects local teens to the magic of Israel.
STRENGTHENING SECURITY FOR JEWISH LOS ANGELES
In response to rising antisemitic threats, we distributed critical funding to 52 Jewish institutions across our city — including schools, synagogues, camps, and community centers — by leading a unique security grant partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles and the Jewish Federations of North America’s Emergency Security Fund, which is generously supported by The Tepper Foundation. These grants, coordinated through our Community Security Initiative, are primarily focused on spaces serving children. Since last year, this collaboration has delivered nearly $2 million in funding to over 100 local organizations, helping ensure our community can come together, learn, and worship safely and peacefully.
Read about the Jewish organizations that received these vital security grants by visiting JewishLA.org/SecurityGrant.
ELEVATING JOURNALISM BY REPORTING ON JEWISH STORIES ACCURATELY
To improve media coverage of Jewish issues, we are launching the Karsh Journalism Fellowship — the only journalism fellowship in the world focused exclusively on the Jewish experience. Incubated with a generous contribution from Jacki and Jeff Karsh, this groundbreaking initiative will train early- and mid-career reporters to cover topics like antisemitism, Israel, and Jewish identity with accuracy, depth, and nuance. Through immersive retreats in L.A., New York, and Washington, D.C., fellows will engage with top journalists, scholars, and community leaders to produce impactful reporting that shapes public understanding. By conceiving, building, and powering this courageous journalistic endeavor, we’re creating a ripple effect that will strengthen coverage across the media landscape.
Applications for the Karsh Journalism Fellowship are now open. Apply on the website or share this opportunity with anybody you think might be interested by visiting JewishLA.org/KarshFellowship.
CONNECTING TEENS TO ISRAEL THROUGH SERVICE
Many Jewish teens, especially those who don’t attend Jewish day schools, are missing out on meaningful connections to Israel. Recognizing this need, we supported a new three-week summer opportunity: the Tikkun Israel Teen Volunteer Trip. Thanks to our investment and logistical support from our own shlicha (Israeli emissary) Hila Huber — who is helping lead the trip — 10 teens from L.A. are lending a hand in communities impacted by the war with Iran, in the cities of Ofakim, Shfar’am, and Be’er Sheva. They’re packing food for residents, running activities for local children, and forging deep, personal connections with peers in Israel.
Follow this transformative volunteer journey by visiting JewishLA.org/TikkunIsrael.