At Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland’s Camp Wise in Claridon Township, a Jewish Federation of Cleveland beneficiary agency, hundreds of children arrive each summer ready for the simple joys of Jewish camp – friendship, nature, discovery and belonging. Ensuring that those moments remain safe, even in a changing world, requires both vigilance and creativity. That’s why this year, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and JFC Security, LLC – Federation’s security provider – introduced a cutting-edge, tethered drone pilot program at Camp Wise — an innovative step that reflects thoughtful, proactive planning.

For nearly two decades, the Youth Futures mentoring program has been transforming the lives of children and families across Israel – providing emotional, social and academic support to those facing hardship. This vital program, supported by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, has become even more critical since the war began, as thousands of children struggle to cope with the ongoing trauma and instability in their daily lives.

With less than a month remaining until the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2026 Campaign for Jewish Needs concludes on Dec. 8, campaign vice chair Jason Wuliger is enthusiastic about the potential impact of “Shabbat for Good,” a three-day initiative that invites the community to attend services and then help raise funds for the campaign.

With about a month left in the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s annual 2026 Campaign for Jewish Needs, Amir Jaffa looks back on his two years spent as campaign chair, and discusses what he still plans to accomplish before his term ends.

For more than 25 years, with generous support from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Bellefaire JCB has provided licensed, culturally sensitive therapists to Jewish day schools across Cleveland. These counselors ensure that students, families and educators have access to mental health support rooted in understanding and compassion.

Susan, whose name has been changed to protect client confidentiality, never expected her family’s world to change so quickly. Around 2020, she began noticing her mom’s memory slipping. What started as small lapses soon grew into something much harder – her mom needed constant care, and her dad was struggling to keep up with the changes. It became clear that her parents could no longer manage on their own.

In the summer of 2024, teens from Kibbutz Kissufim, Federation's partner community in the Gaza Envelope, traveled to Cleveland and spent four weeks at Camp Wise.

Together, we can achieve anything! By supporting the 2025 Campaign, our community ensures that basic needs are met, antisemitism is confronted, Jewish traditions are celebrated and passed on, and so much more.