In the midst of a global pandemic, Alex Rogoff of Beachwood was experiencing one of the most transformational years he's ever had. As a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow (MITF) in Tel Aviv and Beit Shean (Cleveland's sister city in Israel), Alex spent 10 months teaching English to children in schools – both virtually and in-person. MITF is a post-college volunteer program that’s part of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s I-Connect initiative designed to create deepening connections for young adults with Israeli life and culture.

Jewish Federation of Cleveland President Erika B. Rudin-Luria and board vice chair Neil R. Waxman showed their continued support for Israelis and a desire to combat antisemitism during a nationwide federation solidarity mission to Israel, led by the Jewish Federations of North America from May 24 to May 28.

When terrorist attacks escalated in Israel in May 2021, Jewish Clevelanders came together to show their unwavering support for the Israeli people and the Jewish homeland at a rally hosted by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Israeli-American Council. On May 12, more than 500 people from our diverse Jewish community marched down Richmond Road to send a message of peace and healing across the world. Rally participants also heard inspirational messages from community leadership and clergy.

As the state of Israel rang in its 73rd anniversary, hundreds of people across Cleveland showed their patriotism during the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Yom Ha’atzmaut festival April 15.

Efi Mazor, the people-to-people coordinator at Partnership 2Gether Beit Shean-Valley of Springs-Cleveland and a former solider of the Israel Defense Forces, recalled an IDF doctor’s bravery and selflessness during the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s annual Yom Hazikaron commemoration April 13.

Karen Tucker’s lifelong love of Israel has roots in her youth. At 13 years old, she vividly remembers watching the news coverage of Israel, then a fledgling nation, fight for its survival in the Six Day War. As a college student, she attended rallies, spoke out in support of Israel, and donated funds to help the country defend itself during the Yom Kippur War.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will ring in the state of Israel’s 73rd anniversary with a festival boasting in-person and virtual options April 15.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Yom Hazikaron commemoration will include the personal story of a fallen Israeli soldier told by a fellow soldier, Efi Mazor of Beit Shean, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. April 13.

As a child, I would look forward to Memorial Day – Yom Hazikaron, but not like waiting for a birthday or a holiday. It’s another feeling like a heavy weight sitting on your heart. It's like a sense of anticipation when you know something bad's going to happen.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration – a festival celebrating Israel’s 73rd Independence Day – on Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 – 6:45 pm. It is free and open to the community.