Dear Beloved Community, 

For almost four years Jewish Federations of North America have been mobilizing racial justice and equity initiatives as core to what it means to be Jewish.  With our Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Initiative we work to increase the racial diversity of our leadership and ensure that the voices of Jewish People of Color play a role in celebrating Jewish life and combatting all forms of hate.

Fifty years since the Yom Kippur War, Israel again finds itself confronting an unprecedented danger. Backed by Iran, Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked invasion and large-scale attack on Israel. This attack led to the deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust ended in 1945.

Our work together is essential to ensuring the Jewish state has what it needs to protect itself, by itself, and that the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our ally. In response, Israel has a right and responsibility to protect its citizens from terrorism.

We know that Jews are a multiracial, multiethnic, and multinational people. Often, our diverse voices are not heard. At times, we are thrust into positions that tear at the fabric of our many intersecting identities. This makes the Jews of Color perspective on the call for unity and support all the more important.

Please urge your federal elected officials to take action to support Jews of Color in the U.S. and Israel by passing the Supplemental Budget Request and supporting the following:

• $14.3 Billion in Emergency assistance to Israel: Following the Hamas massacres of Israeli civilians, Israel continues to face security challenges from Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north. This emergency assistance will bolster Israel's ability to defend herself and replenish vital defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense programs. 
• Increased Funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP): Recent conflicts between Israel and Hamas have led to a surge in antisemitic and anti-Zionist incidents across North America. Jewish communities are in a state of elevated readiness and have already been forced to increase their security measure. They are bracing for potential terror attacks, anti-Israel activities on campuses, and anti-Israel policies in various forums. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps ensure the safety and security of Jewish and other faith-based community institutions. Jewish Federations are advocating for $500 million for NSGP, and the increased funding included in the Supplemental Budget Request will help bolster our community’s capacity to protect itself at this challenging time.  
• $61.4 Billion in Emergency Assistance to Ukraine: We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and support efforts to strengthen its democracy in the face of aggression. This funding will aid Ukraine's efforts to safeguard its democracy and protect its citizens. Jewish Federations are actively engaged in supporting the Ukrainian people—including by resettling over 2,600 displaced Ukrainians across the United States--and we seek continued U.S. support for these critical efforts.