Dear Friends, Shana tova! We’re grateful for what we’ve accomplished together and with your partnership, we’ll continue building a vibrant Jewish today and tomorrow in the Heart of New Jersey. In the first half of 2026, together, we: • Confronted antisemitism through advocacy and education efforts in Trenton, Washington, D.C., and locally. • Protected our community, donating 10 AEDs and financial support for security guards to our partner organizations. • Invested in our youth with free monthly books to more than 2,300 children and led programs for young people to build friendships and deepen their Jewish identity. • Stood with Israel, marching in solidarity and supporting Kibbutz Gvar’am youth at risk. • Built stronger partnerships with elected officials, civic leaders, and interfaith neighbors, ensuring that our community’s voice is heard. Inside are reflections of what we’ve done and why it matters. Each story adds strength to the fabric we are creating together and points toward the work still ahead. The needs before us remain significant. With your continued support, we’ll accomplish even more in the remainder of the year. We invite you to continue weaving our shared story by making or adding to your gift so together we will carry this important work forward. To our donors, volunteers, and partners, THANK YOU. May 5787 hold all that you wish for. With gratitude,
Susan Antman Executive Director
Marcia Schwartz President
The Work We Do Together “We develop virtue, strength of character, and a commitment to the common good in community. Community is local. It is society with a human face. It is not government... It is the work we do ourselves, together.” — Lord Rabbi Sacks
Your Impact in Action Every day, our Federation brings this vision to life. Because of your generosity, we can: • Advocate For and Address Community Priorities • Secure Our Community and Respond to Crises • Nurture Jewish Life For Today and Tomorrow • Combat Antisemitism • Support Israel • Care For the Vulnerable
Our Covenant of Care A community is more than a network of services — it is a promise. It is the collective commitment that no one should face life’s challenges alone. Thank you for fostering a society with a human face.
Stay Connected www.jewishheartnj.org @jewishheartnj info@jewishheartnj.org (732) 588-1800 230 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, NJ 08882
Advocate For & Build Bridges Across Communities Together, we CHAMPION COMMUNITY PRIORITIES We engage Congress on our community’s priorities, including support for the U.S.-Israel relationship, regional stability, and funding for critical programs such as SNAP, Social Security, and other essential services. Together, we ADVOCATE FOR SECURITY Alongside 400 Jewish community leaders from across the country, we urged Congress to fully fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help ensure Jewish institutions have the resources they need to remain safe amid rising threats. Together, we GARNER SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL We joined faith leaders at the U.S. Capitol to meet with members of Congress, strengthen relationships, foster understanding, and reaffirm our shared commitment to combating antisemitism and supporting Israel. Together, we ADDRESS VULNERABILITIES Thanks to legislative leaders and the advocacy of Federations across NJ and our partners, the approved NJ FY2027 budget includes critical investments that address vulnerabilities in our state.
WHY IT MATTERS Advocacy is one of the strongest threads in our communal fabric. When we raise our voices, build meaningful relationships, and engage with civic and faith leaders, we help protect our community and advance our shared values. These efforts enhance security, deepen collaborations, and ensure our community remains connected, resilient, and empowered for generations to come.
Protect & Connect Our Community “Thanks to this generosity, MRT now has a second AED ...further strengthening the safety and well-being of our congregants, students, staff, and visitors.”
Together, we ACT PROACTIVELY We donated 10 automated external defibrilators (AEDs) to partner organizations, expanding access to lifesaving equipment and strengthening emergency response across our community.
Together, we CULTIVATE RESOURCES
To date, we secured more than $20 million in security enhancements for local Jewish organizations, helping reinforce physical security, optimize preparedness, and create safer environments for our community. Together, we UNITE We deepened relationships with more than a dozen interfaith organizations, cultivating trust and collaboration across communities and expanding a network of support that helps advance understanding, solidarity, and shared purpose. Together, we STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATIONS Federation provided training and threat assessment support and coordinated security planning for local organizations’ events, helping enable organizers and attendees to have peace of mind at gatherings.
WHY IT MATTERS A thriving community is built on both safety and connection. By investing in lifesaving equipment, strengthening security infrastructure, and cultivating strong allies, we create an environment where people gather with confidence, celebrate Jewish life openly, and support one another through every challenge. These efforts weave resilience, trust, and belonging into the fabric of our community for generations to come.
Invest in Our Youth Together, we SUPPORT ACTIVISM “It was a very moving and powerful presentation and it was life changing.”
Dozens of teens came together at the Jewish Teen Summit to hear inspiring speakers, engage in dialogue, and learn lifesaving CPR skills.
Noah C.
Together, we CONNECT WITH ISRAEL Federation’s PJ Library Israel Fair welcomed hundreds of families for a joyful celebration of Israel, creating meaningful Jewish experiences and lasting memories for children and parents alike. Together, we CULTIVATE LEADERSHIP 4 years ago, Federation and the Kroll Family established the Ruth Kroll Scholar Award to recognize young Jewish women committed to tikkun olam and to honor Ruth’s legacy. This year, we are proud to celebrate Lucy N., our 5th scholar. Together, we PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES Camp grants enabled 41 children to experience joyful Jewish learning and belonging. Need-based grants* help children facing challenges at home, while special needs grants** make enriching, inclusive camp experiences possible for individuals of all abilities. *Provided in part through Jewish Social Services of Middlesex County and the L. Richard & Nicole Wolff Charitable Fund **Provided in part with Friendship Circle of Central Jersey and the Stolzer Fund for Children with Special Needs
WHY IT MATTERS Investing in our youth is how we help sew a strong and vibrant Jewish future. Every opportunity to lead, learn, and belong becomes another thread in our tapestry of togetherness. By recognizing emerging leaders and ensuring every child can experience the joy of Jewish life, we nurture confidence, strengthen Jewish identity, and inspire the next generation to carry our shared values forward.
Stand With Israel Together, we CELEBRATE ISRAEL We joined thousands of supporters at New York City’s Israel Day on Fifth Parade, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to Israel and the strength of our Jewish community. Together, we UNITE WITH KIBBUTZ GVAR’AM Women from our local community and sister community in Israel came together for meaningful conversations deepening relationships and reinforcing the bonds that unite us across continents. Together, we EDUCATE & EMPOWER YOUTH Through grants that help make immersive experiences in Israel more accessible, we strengthen teens’ connections to Israel, deepen their Jewish identity, and create meaningful opportunities for personal growth.
Together, we SUPPORT ISRAEL Beyond Kibbutz Gvar’am, our Federation directly provides funding for critical needs at 15 Israeli organizations for vital programs and services, in addition to our global support for The Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). WHY IT MATTERS When we stand with Israel by supporting essential needs, sharing celebrations, encouraging enduring partnerships, and showing unwavering solidarity, we foster Jewish pride, intensify our connection, and remind ourselves that we are never alone. These experiences weave lasting bonds across oceans and generations, reinforcing our shared responsibility and our collective future.
Fill Gaps in Program Needs Together, we HONOR SURVIVORS In addition to providing hundreds of thousands of dollars for Holocaust survivor programs and services, Federation secured a grant from Seed the Dream Foundation to sponsor a special luncheon honoring our survivor community. Together, we CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY We proudly support Friendship Circle of Central Jersey’s Sunday Programs, fostering friendship, inclusion, and meaningful connections for teens and individuals with special needs. Together, we MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS One in four American women struggles to afford menstrual products, creating barriers to work, school, and daily life. We enabled volunteers to pack more than 2,450 bags to provide essential care.
Together, we FOSTER COLLABORATION We convene synagogue leaders for open, constructive dialogue to exchange ideas, address shared challenges, and explore practical strategies while strengthening relationships and supporting one another.
WHY IT MATTERS Strong relationships, responsive support, and shared responsibility are at the heart of our community. Whether supporting our synagogues, honoring Holocaust survivors, addressing essential needs, or creating inclusive opportunities, each effort weaves dignity and belonging into the fabric of community life. Together, these investments help ensure no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive.
230 Old Bridge Tpke | South River, NJ 08882