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.
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.”
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.”
Nearly 100 years since its founding, The Jewish Agency for Israel continues its commitment to supporting the Jewish people during times of peace and crisis through innovative programming and emergency response. One initiative exemplifies this dedication: the Jewish Agency’s Emergency Fund for Rising Lion.
Following Iran's ballistic missile attacks on Israel’s civilian population during Operation Rising Lion, the Jewish Agency and its partners launched the Rising Lion Fund to show solidarity and support victims, municipalities and mental health needs. The emergency fund provides critical financial assistance to bereaved families, injured parties, and those whose homes were destroyed, while offering specialized municipal support and mental health interventions for affected communities.
“During these unprecedented times, the Jewish Agency stands shoulder to shoulder with Israeli families facing unimaginable loss,” said Jewish Agency CEO and Director General Yehuda Setton. “Our emergency fund ensures that no family navigates this crisis alone, and is intended to provide both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation support.”
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.”