Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this summer was not like others for thousands of kids who were planning to go to Camp Wise – the ‘Home of Happiness’ – and other Jewish summer overnight camps.

In its first virtual Super Sunday, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland raised $979,315 from 900 gifts for its Campaign for Jewish Needs on Oct. 18.

Thirty nine Jewish high school juniors and seniors representing public and private high schools across Cleveland have come together to recommend grants totaling $43,000 to 13 organizations for crucial programs in the Jewish and general community through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2019-2020 Maurice Saltzman Youth Panel.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Saltzman Youth Panel program educates Jewish Cleveland students about the philanthropic process and responding to Jewish and general community needs.

If you are a young Jewish Clevelander interested in Israel travel experiences, we have 3 great ways to get you to Israel this summer. Applications are being accepted now. Join us!

Brett and his younger brother, Aaron, attend a local Jewish Day School. For the past two years the boys have been living with their grandmother who became their guardian following domestic violence in their home. At just 10 years of age, Brett struggles with his conflicted feelings for both of his parents. He very much loves his father, yet he worries about his mother’s safety and her own substance abuse issues.

Since its inception, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has taken a holistic approach to increasing the quality education in the low socio-economic areas in Israel’s periphery. From Parents and Children Together (PACT), designed to close the education gaps between Israelis and Ethiopians who came to Israel in the 1980s, to Youth Futures, which helps at-risk children and their families, Federation has been addressing the myriad of factors that can influence a child’s ability to learn.

Jordan is an active 14-year-old boy, who attends a local Jewish Day School. Recently, Jordan had been more withdrawn, less inclined to raise his hand in class, and reacting in a more aggressive manner toward his peers. One day, Jordan arrived at school with bruises on his arms. His teacher knew she needed to be concerned. While the behaviors were atypical for Jordan, it was the bruises that raised the alarm bell for his teacher. The school immediately placed a call to the Cuyahoga County Department of Child and Family Services hotline.

Welcome Avigail, Alon, Ori, Guy, and Yuval! These five Israeli teens are spending the next year in Cleveland as part of the ShinShin program, a partnership between the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Overseas Connection Committee and @akiva, a Federation beneficiary agency.