Nearly 400 community members volunteered this past Sunday to cleanup Har Nebo, one of the region’s oldest and largest Jewish cemeteries. The service day was in partnership with the Friends of Jewish Cemeteries, a special new initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to find long-term solutions to repair our region’s Jewish cemeteries and reconnect our community to its deep local roots. Click here to see photos from the cleanup and visit jewishphilly.org/cemetery to learn more about the initiative.

Dr. Romirowsky, a long-time Jewish Federation professional, has been named the new Chief Strategy and Impact Officer. Kelly has been the driving force behind many important initiatives in our organization, having established the first evaluation and research department across the Federation system, oversaw the Jewish Community Portrait population study of Greater Philadelphia, and fostered a data-driven approach to strategy across the organization.

In her new position, Dr. Romirowsky will focus on strategic thinking, planning, and measurable results with a goal of ensuring that community grant-making and resource development are driven by a solutions-oriented mindset. Kelly will oversee ongoing research plans, the grant-making process, and bringing community partners together to address community issues on a larger scale. To contact Kelly, email kromirowsky@jewishphilly.org.

In celebration of the new grant year and focus on furthering our investment within the community, the Jewish Federation brought together local recipients of the most recent grant cycle as the first in a series of planned collaborations. Professionals from more than 35 agencies in Greater Philadelphia gathered in an effort to build relationships across organizations, share ideas, and learn more about the diverse program offerings of each local partner. Additionally, Tali Lidar, Director of our Israel and Global Operations, recently hosted a similar program for our Israeli agency partners to share their work and lessons learned. Click here to see photos from the event.

Jewish Federation's President and CEO, Michael Balaban, will be one of a distinguished group of panelists at Latet’s International Conference about how US and Israel can share collective intelligence strategies to address social challenges being faced in the post-COVID era. With opening remarks from the President of the State of Israel, His Excellency Isaac Herzog, the program will feature panel discussions by thought leaders and experts about poverty, food insecurity, challenges faced by the elderly and corporate responsibility in high tech. Click here to learn more about the conference.

 "Real empathy requires action. The Afghan refugees who recently arrived in Philadelphia have been through unbelievable hardship and trauma, and this was a chance to advocate for the vulnerable and those who can't fight for themselves at this time."
- Carole Landis, LCSW, Chairwoman / Founder,
Carole Landis Foundation for Social Action

Jewish Family & Children’s Service, in partnership with Nationalities Service Center, held an “In Your Neighborhood” event focused on helping Afghan refugees along with immigrants from Africa, Asia, and Syria. This initiative, funded by a grant through the Carole Landis Foundation for Social Action and Jewish Federation, provides free, good quality clothing and fresh, healthy food to people in need. All attendees received culturally appropriate food that was prepared in JFCS’ Teaching Kitchen, as well as clothing and healthy produce. JFCS collects donations for regular pop-ups throughout the city. So far, the mobile unit has served more than 400 residents and made 11 voyages with six more scheduled before the end of the year. Click here to watch the press coverage.