UJA has stood with the people of Israel through times of profound challenge and triumph – helping build, sustain, and strengthen a Jewish and democratic state. This #YomHaatzmaut, we proudly reaffirm that commitment. It’s both a promise and a privilege we never take for granted.
This year, Israel’s Independence Day feels both celebratory and uncertain. With a ceasefire in place, Israelis have returned to many of the rhythms of daily life – but the path back to “normal” is still unfolding.
As daily life across Israel comes to a halt and the nation stands in silence, it becomes a moment of unity. No matter one's background or beliefs, every Israeli pauses to remember those lost to war, hatred, and terror.
May their memories forever be a blessing.
Today is #YomHaZikaron, Israel's memorial day – and this year, it carries a weight unlike any before.
Being a mensch and doing good are always in style. Learn more and sign up here: www.ujafedny.org/volunteer/op...
It’s #NationalVolunteerWeek. 💙💪
Make a difference with one of our partners – we’ve got meaningful, year-round volunteer opportunities for all ages, from delivering food to those in need to creating cards for isolated seniors and more.
At a moment when global events have preoccupied the headlines, this work reminds us of the pressing needs close to home.
Read more from our CEO: www.ujafedny.org/news/a-way-in
This week, self-advocates, parents, and professionals gathered at our 19th annual Hilibrand Symposium on Autism to connect and explore how we can open doors wider for people with autism.
“Everyone wants to be seen, to feel part of a community that accepts them. And particularly at a time when the world feels unsteady, when the headlines overwhelm, we need community to anchor us all the more. To offer a way in. And allow us to be who we are."
It's part of UJA's work with caring for older adults: www.ujafedny.org/our-work/car...
Through our partner, 14th Street Y's Project ORE at the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living, seniors find more than resources - they find community, complete with daily kosher meals, meaningful Jewish programming, and classes in art, health, and more.
Many older New Yorkers are facing isolation, mental health challenges, and housing insecurity.
Urge your state senator and assembly member to include these protections in the final budget: nyjewi.sh/bskyujaaction
After strong advocacy, the New York City Council passed critical buffer zone safety bills to help safeguard houses of worship so New Yorkers can gather safely. Now, similar measures are being debated at the state level in Albany.
Our communities need protection – and you can help them get it.
Through our Community Initiative for Holocaust Survivors (CIHS) and our partner Selfhelp Community Services, we care for survivors so they live their later years with the dignity they deserve.
May we never abandon and never forget.
Behind every survivor is a story of resilience and courage. Today on #YomHaShoah, we carry these stories forward and ensure they are never forgotten.
As we retell our story, let’s hold them in our hearts as we pray for peace, safety, and true freedom ahead.
Chag sameach to you and yours.
This year, Passover’s story of freedom feels especially complex. Some former hostages are home for their first seder in years, while many Israelis may spend theirs in shelters.
We're providing critical support to seniors, Holocaust survivors, and people with disabilities; displaced families and children and teens; and communities under constant threat — all while we continue to pray that next year, Israelis will have seders around a table, not in safe rooms.
As families across Israel face ongoing danger — and a Passover likely marred by sirens and shelters — UJA just approved an additional grant of $3 million, bringing our emergency funding since the start of this latest conflict to $5 million and to more than $327 million since October 7.
Now, we’re calling on Mayor Mamdani to pass these bills into law to ensure all New Yorkers can gather safely. Take action and contact Mayor Mamdani today: nyjewi.sh/ujaactionbsky
Thanks to strong advocacy from our community, last week the New York City Council passed two critical public safety bills to protect safe access to houses of worship and schools. But the work isn’t done yet.
Since October 7, we have allocated more than $320 million to emergency and recovery efforts across Israel – and we remain on the ground, delivering immediate support to affected communities.
Our UJA team on the ground visited Dimona and Arad, which were devastated by a direct missile strike from Iran.
“You stand where the missiles hit, trying to take in what you’re seeing. What was destroyed will take a long time to rebuild. In the middle of this, something stands out. Israel’s civil society doesn’t wait – it shows up first.” – Iztik Shmuli, UJA’s Director-General in Israel.
Through our Community Security Initiative, we’re helping synagogues cover the cost of additional security guards — so Jewish communities can continue to gather safely and without fear.
Read more from JTA: www.jta.org/2026/03/18/n...
The recent attack on Temple Israel in Michigan — thwarted by a quick-thinking security guard — continues to prove how critical it is to protect Jewish institutions right now.
