Please contact your U.S. senators and member of Congress to demand they act to facilitate the safe release of the Israeli and foreign nationals held hostage by Hamas.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that a record $36,355,013 has been raised by 9,045 gifts representing 11,881 donors in the 2024 Campaign for Jewish Needs, the annual fundraising campaign that serves Jewish Cleveland and the global community. Additionally, the community raised $33,349,261 for the Israel Emergency Campaign to date since launching immediately following the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. These totals were shared at the Campaign Closing Event at the Mandel Jewish Community Center on December 13.

The success of our annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is due in large part to the strength of those at the helm. We are grateful to Beth Wain Brandon for her leadership as chair of the 2023 and 2024 Campaigns.

Jonathon Nisenboum was recognized at our Campaign Closing Celebration for her dedication to the Campaign for Jewish Needs.

Helping to keep our community safe is one of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s top priorities. Through our security provider, JFC Security, LLC, we are continuously exploring new ways to enhance our community’s ability to combat hatred targeting the Jewish community. Since its humble beginning in 2013, JFC Security has become the gold standard of community security initiatives across the country.

With each Chanukah candle that we light, we bring light to all who need it.

Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike presented the Jewish Federation of Cleveland with a $4,471.25 check for its Israel Emergency Campaign on Dec. 3.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s annual Campaign for Jewish Needs will close with an event on Dec. 13 to announce the grand total and honor Jonathon Nisenboum.

About 340 women gathered together Nov. 29 in the auditorium of the Mandel Jewish Community Center for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Women IN Philanthropy MaIN Event.

Please write and call your members of Congress to thank them for their support of Israel and to reiterate that Israel should not be asked to re-enter a ceasefire with Hamas until all of the hostages are released and the terror organization is no longer able to threaten the safety of innocent lives.