For more than 300 days, we have been praying for the safe and immediate release of the hostages taken by Hamas last October. “Bring Them Home Now” is not just some slogan – it’s a plea for humanity.

Just 48 hours after the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack on Israel by Hamas, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland gathered more than 2,000 Jewish and non-Jewish individuals to pray and support Israel outside of its Beachwood offices.

It is said a leader is only as strong as their support system. And for many organizations, the relationship between its president and CEO, and board chair is more than just a partnership – it is often a pivotal force that can be felt throughout all operations.

As the Jewish Federation of Cleveland celebrates its 120th anniversary, it reflects on a long legacy of support and positive influence in the community and efforts that have touched countless lives through different organizations and programs such as the Cleveland Chesed Center, Jewish Family Service Association, Bellefaire JCB and jHUB.

Audrey Glickman’s active shooter attack, prevention and preparedness training was essential to her survival during the 2018 Pittsburgh Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Synagogue shooting, she told the Cleveland Jewish News.

On October 7, 2023, more than 250 innocent civilians were taken hostage by the terrorist group Hamas. These individuals are as old as 85 and as young as 9-months; they are men, women, and children; they are Israeli, American, Russian, Argentinian, and Thai. They have missed birthdays, anniversaries, and so many more milestones while being subjected to unimaginable horrors.

The 78th Annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens promoted the sharing of over 50 cultures through a diverse group of people, heritages, entertainment and food Aug. 25.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs will launch on Sept. 8 with the third annual Super Sunday Kickoff at the Federation’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building in Beachwood.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced today the 2024 class of Mandel Myers Fellows who worked as staff at select Jewish overnight summer camps. This year’s program featured the fellowship’s largest cohort yet with 87 fellows , growing from 67 fellows in 2023 and 54 in 2022.

As Amir (Alan) Jaffa looks to his time as campaign chair for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Campaign for Jewish Needs, he is focused on increasing the number of donors to address ever growing needs.