L-R: Jennifer Failla, Shana Creeger, Frances Meltzer at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.  Courtesy: Shana Creeger 

“My most recent mission trip to Berlin and Israel left me with such pride and hope for all the hard work being done to build and protect our Jewish communities around the world,” said Jennifer Failla, Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy legacy giving co-chair and NWP representative, who recently attended the Jewish Federations of North America FRD Leadership Mission.  

Other mission trip participants from Austin included Frances Meltzer, Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy co-chair, and Shana Creeger, Shalom Austin development director.  

It is not unknown that the Jewish community has faced numerous challenges, navigating a complex landscape of social, political, and humanitarian issues since before October 7. The Jewish Federations of North America has been pivotal in supporting these communities, transitioning from reactive to proactive approaches to foster stronger, interconnected networks.     

The framework, relationships, programming, and channels to deliver funds were all in place before the horrific attacks of Hamas through years of hard work and dedication from so many of the partners in Germany and Israel. Those dollars were and are still hard at work.  

As part of the mission, participants met with program directors and government leaders in Germany. The German government through its national strategy against antisemitism and for Jewish life have instituted education programs throughout the country. Its strong accountability philosophy has fueled important changes throughout the country whether through the education system or its citizenship exam.    

However, despite the dedicated government funding, many communities operate on a largely volunteer basis. Initiatives such as “Rent-a-Jew,” supported by local and national government projects, aim to foster intercultural understanding and combat antisemitism. This is happening inside their school system to help people learn more about the culture and faith of the Jewish people.    

Donation dollars are also pouring into programs used to help Ukrainian refuges in the Jewish communities through camps and programs. These programs have become lifelines for those young men and women taking refuge so far from home.  

In Israel, the socio-political climate remains delicate, particularly concerning Jewish-Arab relations. Efforts to integrate Arab citizens, who make up approximately 20% of the population, are ongoing. Initiatives aimed at creating integrated schooling and workforce diversity are steps toward cohesion. This critical program was in place and active on October 7 which tested so many Israeli – Arab neighbors. The trust and care of these initiatives – not highlighted in the media – held strong and stood up during some of the most fraught times.  This is as a direct result of donation dollars working hard to build relationships that started long before the attacks.  

Modifications in educational policies, such as bilingual college entrance exams, have significantly improved Arab participation in higher education, highlighting the potential for policy-driven change.  

In addressing trauma, community support has evolved to include innovative mental health initiatives, such as the Kai app, which uses AI to provide psychological support tailored for those experiencing anxiety and stress post-trauma. This technology, integrated into the healthcare systems, underscores the importance of accessible mental health resources.  Another amazing example of how donation dollars are making an impact at the most critical of time.    

“Ultimately, the resilience demonstrated by Jewish communities in Berlin and Israel offers a broader lesson on the importance of solidarity and proactive engagement. Jews everywhere are Jews here. We are one. Through initiatives that foster inclusivity, intercultural understanding, and comprehensive support systems, these communities continue to stand up against hate while nurturing hope and resilience amidst the hardest of our times,” said Failla.