Together, we’ve endured a challenging two-plus years. The release of the living hostages is a cause of joy. Our work supporting Israel and helping Jews in L.A. isn’t done and will never stop. Here are just a few of the ways we put your values in action this month.
UNITING IN MEMORY, UNITING IN HOPE
Community has the power to renew hope. We proudly convened Jewish Los Angeles at United in Memory: L.A. Remembers October 7th, a moving night of solidarity and healing at the Saban Theatre, in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, the Israeli-American Council, StandWithUs, Friends of the IDF, Temple of the Arts, and the Iranian American Jewish Federation. We honored the victims, supported survivors, stood in solidarity with the hostages who have finally returned home, and called for the return of those still awaiting to return to Israel for a proper burial. With the hostages home, we reclaimed our joy. Our President & CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas called on our community to transform this feeling into action by helping to rebuild Israel, renew Israeli-Diaspora relations, and ensure that Israel emerges stronger than ever.
Learn more about our bridge-building work across Los Angeles at JewishLA.org/CE.
SPREADING CAMP SPIRIT AT TOUR DE SUMMER CAMPS
Joy brought 500 community members together as Tour de Summer Camps came roaring back for its 13th year bigger, better, and more family-friendly than ever! With cycling, hiking, pickleball, the Color Run, the first-ever JFEDLA Camp Cup, and so much more camp fun, there was truly something for everyone at this year’s reimagined event. Families, friends, and camp alumni came together in Simi Valley to relive the magic of Jewish camp while helping give the next generation the same transformative experience. By organizing this annual tradition — which raised $985,000 and counting for need-based scholarships and grants — we continue to ensure that Jewish summer camp joy is accessible to every child who dreams of having this immersive experience, regardless of their financial situation.
Send more kids to Jewish camp by donating at TourdeSummerCamps.org/Donate.
FEELING THE JOY OF THE NEW YEAR WITH SWEET RETURN
Joy filled Jewish Los Angeles these High Holy Days with Sweet Return, the citywide festival from our NuRoots and NuBloom communities, bringing Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot to life. From a fresh take on the Tashlich water ritual and a Nucomers brunch for Gen Z, to family-friendly experiences with beloved partners across Los Angeles, Sweet Return helped over 1,000 members of our community enter the New Year with meaning, connection, and joy.
Dive into upcoming NuRoots experiences at JewishLA.org/NuRoots or NuBloom experiences at JewishLA.org/NuBloom.
CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOODS BY CLEANING UP PICO-ROBERTSON
Community thrives when we take care of the places we call home. We supported a neighborhood cleanup in Pico-Robertson, originally started by Boaz Hepner and now an annual partnership with JFEDLA and Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, where volunteers of all ages came together to pick up 4,000 pounds of trash, beautify public spaces, and connect with neighbors over pizza and snacks donated by local partners. Events like these reflect our commitment to strengthening every corner of Los Angeles, so we can all feel pride in the city we love.
Sign up for future volunteer opportunities at JewishLA.org/CSD.
HONORING THE COURAGE TO STAND UP TO ANTISEMITISM IN ENTERTAINMENT
Courage means using your voice when it matters most. Our Entertainment, Media & Communications Network honored Jay Sures, Vice Chairman of United Talent Agency, for his leadership and decades of advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community at a powerful gathering at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. By elevating those who stand up to antisemitism and misinformation in Hollywood, JFEDLA is empowering others to lead with resilience and unity at a time when Jewish voices must be heard, loud and clear.
See photos from this inspiring event at JewishLA.org/EMCRecap.