Israel & Overseas
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The Global Connection
Strengthening Jewish communities in Israel and around the world has always been a top priority for the North American Jewish Community. It is Jewish Federation of North America’s mandate to promote individual connection through innovative programming that reaches every sector of society.

Israel and Overseas

Global Operations is the international platform providing a wealth of services, information and support, helping to connect the North American Jewish community with Israel and World Jewry.

The Jewish Agency (JAFI) and The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)

Learn about our partners around the world.

Travel to Israel

Participants on missions to Israel visit with members of their extended Jewish family. The VIP department in Israel serves major donors, designing tailor-made boutique visits.

Fiduciary Oversight and Grant Management

UIA allocates and monitors funds raised by Federation campaigns in the U.S. for UIA’s operating agent JAFI, Israeli NGO’s and the over 1000 physical projects constructed in Israel with funds from U.S. donors. It secures and monitors U.S. Government grant funds for the rescue and resettlement of humanitarian migrants.

Israel's only snow ski slope was opened in 1969. There's a ski lift now, but originally mules were used.

Gottex was founded by Leah and Armin Gottlieb, refugees who arrived from Hungary in 1949.

The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.

Natalie Portman was born in Jerusalem.

More than 30,000 North American teenagers have taken free trips to Israel. You can, too.

ICQ, which stands for 'I seek you,' was developed in Israel by a man named Goldfinger.

There are 10 Arabs in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.

Israeli agricultural scientists have invented the featherless chicken and the seedless watermelon.

Israel has more museums per capita than any other, including the legendary Israel Museum in Jerusalem

Arizona's Hopi Indians are using Israeli irrigation techniques to make their desert bloom.

There are 150 nature reserves and 65 national parks throughout Israel.

Israel has regularly participated in the Olympic Games since 1952.

With Open Arms

UJA-Federation of NY, JDC and JAFI create unique special education project in the FSU. Read More.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: In post-Communist countries, JDC retreats introduce families to the fun of a commited Jewish life. Read More.

A PERFECT FIT: See how this young Jewish woman from Texas is improving life for those in need in Israel. Meet Susan Perry, a volunteer with JDC's Jewish Service Corps.

YOUNG AT HEART July 19, 2010: Israeli representatives of federations involved in the issue of Young Communities came together at JFNA Israel to discuss how to best convey the potential of these projects to their homebase. Click here to request more information. 
  
Visit the Resource Center for valuable reports, statistics and background material.

 

New! Misha's Musings: JAFI's President and CEO of International Development Misha Galperin writes about a St. Petersburg miracle. Read More.

JFNA Response to Israel's Conversion Bill: resources, articles, facts Click here
New! Negev Hub JFNA's online home for the innovative work federations are doing in Israel's southern desert region 
  • Meet the Communities               
  • Volunteer Blogs 
  • Negev Work Group
  • Resource Guide           

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    LEAN ON ME: JAFI Youth Futures Program Spotlight, May 2010:  Young adult mentors give Israel's youth-at-risk a chance to beat the odds. Read More.

    NEWS: May 16: Federation Pros Get Inspired by Israel's Young Communities. Read More