A news story came out in the JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Association) entitled, “Obama Administration Earmarks $12 Million for Holocaust Survivors”.  The article goes on to say, “The allocation from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Jewish Federations of North America, to be disbursed over five years…” I invite you to click here to read the whole story.

This initiative that our national system launched has also secured funds from private sources.  These Holocaust survivors are a dwindling part of our Jewish community and I would submit, are some of our greatest living Jewish heroes.  Our Federation system is trying to make sure they can live out their lives with dignity and with the supports they need. You helped to make this happen!  Yes, you.  I know you may not feel like you did anything, but you did by being a donor to our Federation.  You help to support the work of our national Federation office in Washington DC and because you are a donor, our system is able to advocate saying that tens of thousands of donors like you are behind this effort.

Thank you!

Shabbat Shalom and an early Chag Sameach for Shemeni Atzeret and Simchat Torah next week.  I hope you all find a wonderful, fun and meaningful place to celebrate.

P.S.  This is only a “P.S.” because I wrote the above message earlier, not because it is an afterthought.  Our hearts go out to all the families who lost loved ones in yesterday’s tragic shooting in Oregon.  We also send our condolences to the family of the young Israeli couple that was killed in a terrorist attack.