This Sunday, April 7, marks six months of captivity for the 134 Israelis still held hostage by Hamas terrorists. The nearly 200 days since October 7th have brought deep sadness and grief, rage and betrayal, bravery and resilience, and pride and passion. We have seen an unleashing of Jew hatred, anti-Israel and anti-Zionist rhetoric, and also an awakening of timeless Jewish spirit. Your support for JEWISHcolorado has in turn allowed us to be there for our Jewish community here in Colorado and abroad. With your support, we have:
Israel Emergency Support/ Oct 7 Response:
- Raised $8+M in Israel Emergency Funds
- Hosted community events, vigils, briefings, and seminars
- Responded to K-12 schools, universities, city councils statewide, the state legislature around antisemitic and anti-Israel statements
- Disbursed $1M from JEWISHcolorado to our partnership communities in Israel
- Brought 175 people from Denver and Boulder to Washington DC
- Took three volunteer missions to Israel
- Brought a team of lay and professional leaders to Washington DC to lobby Congress; participated in two additional fly-ins
Programmatic Highlights
Achieved year-over-year programmatic increases:
- Doubled Jewish Explorer program participantsÂ
- Increased to 14 the number of Jewish Student Connection clubs, including 2 new clubs in Boulder
- Increased PJ Library books shipped each month to 4,603
- Recruited a full Joyce Zeff Israel Study Tour set to travel this summer
- Hired a second Regional Security Advisor for our community and nearly doubled capacity for safety and security trainings and community support
- Supported partner organizations including the Jewish day schools, Hillels, and Jewish Family ServiceÂ
- Brought to you important community gatherings including CHOICES and Men’s Event
- Announced launch of Jewish Colorado Gives Day to support all Jewish organizations
What Lies Ahead:
Strengthening and Protecting the Community Post – October 7th
- Host the Am Yisrael Chai Celebrate Israel event May 5
- Focus on Safety and Security assessments and training
- Expand the work of our Jewish Community Relations Council with a specific focus on combating antisemitism and building relationships locally and statewide
- Continue support and deepen connection to our partnership communities in IsraelÂ
As our Jewish communities begin preparations for Passover, one of the most prominent holidays in Judaism, we keep those we lost on that tragic day in our hearts and pray for the swift and safe return of the hostages. The work has been challenging, and sometimes the clouds are so dense that we can barely see the light shining down on us, but we remain steadfast in our support our beloved eretz Yisrael, and all who dwell within it.
Learn more about how you can support Israel and the local Jewish community here.