Paul Simonson is a Florida-certified public accountant who is involved with various Jewish causes and organizations. This article will explore the history and impact of the Jewish Federations of North America, an organization launched with the mission of meeting the needs of North America’s Jewish community.
Founded in 1999 when two important and historic organizations became one, the Jewish Federations of North America was created through a merger of the Council of Jewish Federations and the United Jewish Appeal. This union culminated in the creation of a strong national umbrella for the North American Jewish Federation system. Founded in 1932, the Council of Jewish Federations functioned as an umbrella organization of Canadian and American Jewish Federations, fostering communications among Federations regarding common problems and interests. The United Jewish Appeal was founded in 1939 and venerated for decades for its lifesaving missions and achievements.
Having evolved beyond the original goals of the Council of Jewish Federations and the United Jewish Appeal, the Jewish Federations of North America today provides guidance and thought leadership to the Federations, helping to build capacity of local Jewish communities and encouraging Federations to learn from each other. When disasters and crises arise, the Jewish Federations of North America is quick to mobilize, providing critical support and assistance and swiftly raising and distributing funds.
The Jewish Federations of North America is a thought leader and advocate in the realms of philanthropy, caregiving, aging, disability, homeland security, foreign policy, and health. The charity lobbies in Washington D.C. to secure tens of millions in public funding that flows to Jewish communities each year, supporting thousands of agencies that serve people of all backgrounds, including vocational training programs, children and family service agencies, community centers, nursing homes, and hospitals.
Partnering with the Government of Israel and numerous agencies to secure the Jewish State, the Jewish Federations of North America helps the most vulnerable groups, including Holocaust survivors and immigrants, strengthening and rebuilding Jewish lives all over the world.
At a moment in time when Jews are less politically and economically secure than they were just a decade ago, the Jewish Federations of North America is leading a continental response, raising and distributing funds. The organization has delivered long-term assistance and immediate relief to Jewish and non-Jewish people affected by manmade and natural disasters around the world, including Houston, Haiti, Japan, the Philippines, and Ukraine.
The Jewish Federations of North America builds the capacity of local communities, enabling Federations to learn from each other, building affinity groups, and providing collateral materials, training, and seed funding for innovation. The organization is committed to keeping Jewish life strong, liaising with the Israeli government and partner agencies within Israel and around the world. The Jewish Federations of North America network provides vital economic and humanitarian assistance at times of crisis, from the conflict with Gaza in 2014 that threatened the safety and welfare of millions of Israelis to the ongoing turmoil in the Ukraine that has affected the lives of tens of thousands of Jews.
Ranking among North America’s top 10 charities, the Jewish Federations of North America protects and enhances the wellbeing of Jews all over the world through the values of tzedakah (charity and social justice), Torah (Jewish learning), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
The Jewish Federations of North America represents almost 400 Jewish communities, which collectively raise and distribute over $2 billion each year. This colossal sum is gathered and distributed via giving and endowment programs designed to build flourishing Jewish communities across North America, in Israel, and around the world. The organization plays an important role in delivering a myriad of life-sustaining services to vulnerable, needy, and elderly Jews while supporting the revitalization of Jewish life.
