(Jewish Federation of Cleveland)
In response to the horrific terror attacks in France, including the murder of four Jews at a kosher supermarket, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland is opening a French Terror and Security Fund to address the challenges and threats facing the French Jewish community.
Working with national partner, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and international partners Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the Cleveland Federation has been tracking and responding to events in Paris as they occur. In coordination with the French government and the Service de Protection de la Communauté Juive in France, the organizations are working to ensure that local Jewish institutions, schools, and synagogues as well as French Jewish citizens are protected from further attacks.
“We are shocked and saddened by the recent acts of violence against the Jewish community and the nation of France,” said Steve Hoffman, Cleveland Federation President. “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of France and Jewish people everywhere. We stand united against terror.”
Cleveland Federation Board Chair Reneé Chelm immediately approved a contribution of $75,000 to aid the people of France. “This is a national effort,” said Chelm. “We are working with our national system and the French community to increase their security during this extraordinary time. It’s an 80/20 partnership. Jewish communities across the United States are helping raise 20% of what the French Jews need right now to feel safe.”
Donations to the French Terror and Security Fund will support increased security and safety for Jewish schools, synagogues, and institutions in the French community; trauma relief for terror victims and their families – including those impacted by the terror attacks at Charlie Hebdo magazine and Hyper Cache kosher supermarket; and will be available to address additional needs as they are identified.
To aid the French Jewish community now, donations can be made online at www.jewishcleveland.org/france; by phone, call 216.593.2900, ext. 400; or by mail to Jewish Federation of Cleveland, P.O. Box 74320, Cleveland, OH 44194-4320, Re: French Terror and Security Fund.
To send a message of solidarity to the French Jewish community, please visit www.jewishcleveland.org/france.
Please note: 100% of proceeds from emergency fundraising go directly to relief efforts led by our national and international partners on the ground in Paris.
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