Wellness and More

Ok. First the important stuff. BeWell, the Jewish Federation of North America’s youth mental health and wellness initiative, is partnering with Stanford University and local communities like Greater MetroWest, to conduct a study of American Jewish teens in 7th-12th grade and mental wellness. This research study is designed to produce the most comprehensive portrait to date of the state of mental health and well-being among Jewish teenagers. Ultimately, it’ll help us better understand, anticipate, and meet the needs of our Jewish teens. So please spread the word to the teens in your life, your colleagues who work directly with teens, parents of teens you’re in touch with, and other leaders in the Jewish community.  The survey opened on April 15^th and can be found here. It’s short, mobile-friendly, and anonymous, so it’s easy and quick for teens to complete.

Next up: something really awesome in time for Pesach (Passover). Getting ready for seder and need some extra ideas, resources, inspiration? Gotcha covered. Click on this link and see what’s happening around the community and a terrific list of resources, hagadot, and ideas.

National stuff: Congress has reconvened after the spring recess, and things are heating up. We’re closely following the behind-the-scenes discussions regarding the supplemental funding for Israel, Ukraine, and emergency funding for the nonprofit security grant program. We anticipate that the House will introduce a bill early next week, and we’re actively leveraging our relationships and contacts to garner support. It’s crucial that we convey to Congress the importance of ensuring the safety of our communities and providing support to Israel during this critical time. Please join us in urging Congress to prioritize the safety of our communities and to stand in solidarity with Israel.

Also nationally: this week, Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), along with Representatives Kathy Manning (D-NC), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Randy Weber (R-TX) announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral, Countering Antisemitism Act. Jewish federations support this bill, it contains important provisions that will support our Jewish communities across the country as we work together daily and tirelessly to combat the tsunami of antisemitism we face. So we’re proud to support its passage. And one final congressional piece: with Fiscal Year 2024 behind us, the U.S. Congress is calling upon Cabinet and Administration officials from various agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, United States Agency for International Development, and Department of Defense, to appear before several committees and defend their current budgetary requirements. As staunch advocates of funding for Israel, international and humanitarian aid, safety and security initiatives, and access to kosher food, among other priorities, our Jewish Federation is actively monitoring these deliberations for opportunities to engage. We’re committed to staying vigilant and will keep you fully informed of any developments or next steps arising from these discussions.

Israel. Ready? Earlier today, the IDF launched a targeted operation against Hamas in the central Gaza Strip, on the outskirts of Nuseirat, an area where ground troops have not yet operated during the ground war. The air force carried out strikes against dozens of Hamas targets, including tunnel infrastructure, following intelligence indicating “the presence of terror infrastructure and many terrorists in the area.”

Yesterday, three of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s adult sons were killed in an air strike in Gaza. All three were senior Hamas operatives. Qatar-based Haniyeh said that the attack would not deter Hamas.