Generosity and community are values that build a strong and joyful foundation for young Jewish Los Angeles. From building leaders on campus to protecting Jewish students in high school to providing toys to kids in need during the holidays, here are some impactful ways we are putting your values in action.
SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENT LEADERS ON CAMPUS
Our first-ever Campus Impact Network (CIN) Fellowship launched this fall, bringing together 14 talented campus leaders who will receive professional development, leadership training, opportunities for civic involvement, and access to top thought leaders. In September, we hosted a kick-off dinner at the home of Emmy®-nominated multimedia journalist Jacki Karsh. Students networked with each other while learning about the Federation’s priorities and the Fellowship’s goals. Subsequent sessions will cover combating antisemitism, Israel advocacy and education, coalition building, allyship, cross-campus networking, and leadership. Additionally, CIN Fellows will join our delegation at the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California Capitol Summit in Sacramento in May 2025.
Learn more about the vital work CIN does supporting Jewish college students by visiting JewishLA.org/CIN.
KEEPING ANTI-ISRAEL MATERIAL OUT OF LOCAL CLASSROOMS
In late October, the teachers’ union United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) endorsed a one-sided congressional resolution pledging its support to block U.S. sales of defensive weaponry to Israel. The resolution oversimplified a challenging geopolitical situation and disregarded the atrocities committed by the terrorist organization Hamas. We immediately mobilized an advocacy campaign to call out UTLA for its bias. We convened our Antisemitism Roundtable partners to author a forceful letter to UTLA leadership to express our profound concern over the resolution. Our Board of Rabbis of Southern California brought together over 60 rabbis to write a separate letter condemning UTLA’s inappropriate focus on foreign policy at the expense of Jewish students and educators. We informed LAUSD parents and community members about the resolution, encouraging them to contact UTLA to express their dismay over this situation and its impact on Jewish students. We reached out to our LAUSD Holy Land Democracy Project alumni to inform them of the issue and engage them to speak out against UTLA’s bigotry. We also informed leadership at national and California-based unions including the American Federation of Teachers, California Teachers Association, and the California Federation of Teachers to notify them of UTLA’s missteps. After placing continued pressure on UTLA, their leadership accepted our invitation to meet with the Antisemitism Roundtable, where we will share our concerns in person.
TOGETHER, LET’S BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS IN JEWISH L.A.
In early November, we launched our 19th Annual Festival of Lights Toy & Book Drive to help bring joy to Jewish
and non-Jewish children in need over the holidays. Community members are encouraged to donate a new toy or book through a virtual process with our partner organizations. Every year, we receive hundreds of toys and books for distribution by our partners, which include Cedars-Sinai Child Life Services, Jewish Family Service LA, Sharsheret, and the Valley Friendship Circle. The Toy & Book Drive runs through December 13th, so there’s still time to spread joy to a local child who needs it.
Check out the Amazon Wish Lists of all the organizations we’re partnering with and donate straight from there by visiting JewishLA.org/ToyDrive2024.
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.