The Wilf Family Foundations’ mission is to perpetuate the philanthropic vision of the Wilf family, initiated by the Foundations’ founders, Harry and Joseph Wilf z”l, who were brothers and survivors of the Holocaust. In keeping with the Jewish traditions of tzedakah and tikkun olam, the Wilf Family Foundations provide grants to support Jewish causes, underserved communities, educational opportunities and the advancement of social justice for all.
Since 1964, the Wilf Family Foundations have supported charitable organizations in the United States, Israel, and elsewhere in the world, including Jewish causes, education, health, arts and culture, emergency relief, military veterans, social justice, and many more. Inspired by the example set by Harry and Joseph Wilf, and their wives, Judith z"l and Elizabeth, second and third generations of the Wilf family are now carrying the mission forward with their involvement in the Foundations' giving.
Since2007, NJ LEEP has worked to close the educational equity gap by partnering with first-generation and low-income students to build skills and offer experiences to achieve their college and career aspirations. Earlier this month, the nonprofit announced the launch of their formal partnership and school-based pilot program with Newark Public Schools. The partnership’s pilot program will begin in early 2025 and will help ensure that more students across the greater Newark area have the opportunities and skills needed to succeed in college.
“NJLEEP has always been focused on college-access and success for the incredible students of Newark. This partnership is a reflection of what can happen when the District and Community Based Organizations come together in service of students,” said NJ LEEP Executive Director Matthew Feinstein. “We are thrilled to formalize our partnership with Newark Public Schools and soon launch our school-based pilot program. Looking ahead, we aspire to continue building on this momentum to serve as a partner to Newark Public Schools in ensuring that all students have the support and resources to determine their own futures and achieve their dreams.”
NJY Camps, one of the world’s largest Jewish camping agencies serving over 5,000 participants across five programs, maintains a vital partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel to cultivate Jewish youth connection, identity and cultural exchange. Through the Jewish Agency’s Shlichim (Emissaries) program, NJY hosts Israeli staff at its summer camps each year. Together with the Jewish Agency and NJY's other Israel partners, including the Tzofim (Israeli Scouts) and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey, they welcome over 100 Israeli staff members each summer, alongside 300+ Israeli campers, fostering meaningful friendships and cultural exchange that deepen participants’ connection to their Jewish heritage and Israel.
Following the October 7th attacks, the partners joined with the Wilf Family Foundations to launch Machane Am Echad (Camp One People), serving displaced Israeli children. This initiative sparked the broader Campers2Gether movement, through which Jewish camps across America welcomed over 1,000 displaced Israeli children in 2024. NJY's Am Echad was the largest participant, hosting 100+ Israeli campers.
“At its core, Am Echad provides a summer of joy and normalcy to kids who have become all too accustomed to trauma and grief,” said NJY Camps CEO Michael Schlank. “It’s a privilege to partner with the Jewish Agency to build bridges that serve Jewish youth globally; we consider this program to be the most meaningful we have ever done.”
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For the last 100 years, the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey has worked to ensure the continuity and strength of the Jewish people, support a secure Jewish and democratic State of Israel and care for Jews in need locally and around the world. In commemoration of the organization’s 100th birthday and Israel’s 75th, the Federation has launched its Centennial Celebration, a year-long, multi-event effort intended to mark this important milestone while strengthening bonds with the global Jewish community.
To kick off the celebration in July, the Federation led the Centennial Mission to Israel, in which 500 people, all representing parts of the diverse Greater MetroWest community, embarked on a collective journey of learning and discovery. As the celebration continues throughout the year, the Federation will host a variety of special events and programs to honor a century of accomplishments and foster a vibrant and thriving Jewish community for the next hundred years and beyond.
For nearly 100 years, The Jewish Agency for Israel has worked to ensure global Jewish safety, connect Jews to Israel and promote a secure, diverse and thriving Jewish people. Since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror has been providing immediate financial aid to thousands of victims and their families.
Support from The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror has been in high demand since the war began, with the Fund acting as an initial lifeline to survivors and the families of those killed, wounded and kidnapped, and offering ongoing long-term rehabilitative and trauma care,” said Amira Ahronoviz, CEO and Director General of The Jewish Agency. “As the global Jewish community collectively navigates the aftermath of the darkest day since the Holocaust, we are on the ground doing all we can to assist Israelis during this dire period and will continue to be there as the country and its people rebuild and recover.”