It has been 150 days since 22-year-old Alon Ohel was kidnapped by Hamas from a field shelter after fleeing the Supernova Music Festival. Federation will not rest until Alon — along with the other 129 remaining hostages — is safely returned home.

Watch Israeli Jazz Musician, Avishai Cohen, perform his song "Shuvi Elay" (Return to Me) with Alon's family and friends.

Learn more about the hostages' stories and their families' efforts to bring them home now.

In this issue of Together & Connected, Federation’s weekly newsletter:

• Updates from Federation: Greater Washington's impact on recovery efforts after October 7^th and impressions from Gaza.
• Community events and resources.

Your Impact: Providing Trauma Recovery to Israelis

After October 7^th, there was a sharp rise in the need for trauma services throughout Israel. To help, Federation's Crisis Relief Fund – your donations – directly supported Merchav Marpeh (Healing Space), an emergency mental health facility established to care for the traumatized young people who attended the Nova Festival. 

Learn more about the impact of your donations

Impressions from Gaza

After the October 7^th attacks, Federation Shaliach (Israeli emissary), Ido, flew home to Israel to join his reserves unit in the Israeli Defense Forces. After 42 days on the front lines, Ido has returned to Greater Washington to fulfill his role as Shaliach. Join Federation partner, Pozez JCC of Northern VA, for a unique opportunity to hear about Ido's experience firsthand.

Register here

» Thursday, March 7 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Adult Learning Series: The History of Modern Israel

Join Federation and our partner, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS), for a new adult learning series – The History of Modern Israel. This four-session virtual course, taught by CESJDS Jewish History Department Chair, Dr. Daniel Rosenthal, will help deepen your understanding of the Jewish homeland and trace the development of the Jewish state from its origins in modern Zionist ideology through the present. 

Learn more and register

» Monday, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Find your #ShabbatSquad with Shabbat Clusters

Interested in joining a community for Shabbat, but don't have a place to go? Check out Federation partner, Edlavitch DCJCC's, Shabbat Clusters, where you will be placed in curated small groups based on age, neighborhood, and interests.

Register here

» Registration closes Wednesday, March 13

Nominations Are Still Open for the Avi West Jewish Educator Award

Know a talented, creative Jewish educator in Greater Washington? Nominate a professional or volunteer for the Avi West Jewish Educator Award, presented to support an exemplary Jewish educator in honor and memory of our beloved friend and colleague, Avi West, z"l. 

Register here

» Nominations are due Sunday, March 17

Save the Date: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

Join Federation and BBYO's center for Adolescent Wellness for YMHFA. This program is designed to help adults in the lives of adolescents learn how to assist a young person who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges in youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches an action plan to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Register here

» Thursday, April 18 | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
6101 Executive Boulevard Suite 100 | North Bethesda, MD 20852 US