Watch our campaign video to learn more about what we do.
These comments were presented at the Campaign Event in November, 2018. Claudia Revilla is a board member and a member of the Pomegranate Society, she also serves on the campaign team:
Earlier this year, I became a recipient of one of the many resources that the JFP provides: a way to find and understand my Jewish heritage. Long lost or hidden due to persecution, judgment and rejection, Jewish ancestors in my lineage kept traditions and religion undercover and disguised, and then, after several generations, diluted until almost the point of extinction.
15 years ago, after connecting with wonderful Jewish friends and observing their traditions, I found some amazing similarities with traditions in my own family. And so it began, my way of connecting the dots, culminating with the results of genetic testing, reclaiming my Jewish heritage and volunteering with the Jewish Federation of Peoria and with Congregation Anshai Emeth.
The trip to Israel had a special meaning for me because of my history, but everyone has a history and everyone in the group was transformed or touched in some way. Israel does that to you. The JFP made it possible for me and I am so very grateful.
We visited places where the Jewish Federation’s help and support play an important role, like the visit to the Amigour Center (where we were entertained by their choir) and the Ethiopian National Project. Amigour operates 57 housing projects and serves primarily Holocaust survivors and immigrants form the FSU. Without this support, these seniors would face homelessness. With your support they have a place to live, a community and many social and cultural services, that enhance and enrich their lives.
The absorption Center in Be’er Sheva, serves to educate and integrate new immigrants from Ethiopia into Israeli society while being respectful of their Ethiopian heritage. There have been many challenges and successes in the Ethiopian Aliyah, and the Jewish Agency is committed to completing this process with all the resources available to them.
The way we were welcomed at both places was a humbling experience because the resources they get from the Federation mean the world to them. It made me feel how lucky I am for the way I live, and reminds me that there is so much to do in the world.
When I think about how I can help, the first thing that comes to mind is the Jewish Federation. Our pledges are crucial, I hope you will join me in being more generous this year.
~ Claudia Revilla
Because of you, we are able to support the Jewish community in Peoria, Israel, and around the world.
Your support enriches lives, builds community and fosters a thriving Jewish future.
The impact is extraordinary.
- Lives are touched, changed and saved.
- Friends, families and neighbors are connected to one another and to Jewish life.
- Children and teens are inspired to discover their Jewish identities.
- The elderly are supported and nurtured.
- Volunteers are doing good and giving back.
- Individuals of all abilities and backgrounds in the community are welcomed and included.
During the next 100 days, we invite you to explore the Federation’s impact locally, in Israel and around the world. From November 30, 2018 -February 28, 2019 we will highlight different themes Federation addresses and individuals whose lives are changed by our work. We hope you will get involved with Federation at events and be inspired to make meaningful contributions to Federation’s 2019 Annual Campaign.
Learn more about our work in Greece
Learn more about our work in Morocco
And Ukraine, the fifth largest Jewish population in the world.
An Article about the Fund for Victims of Terror, another program funded by the Jewish Agency and Jewish Federations:
Jewish Agency helps terror victims: “We tell the victim: you are not alone” Since its inception, the Fund for the Victims of Terror of the Jewish Agency has provided thousands of terror victims financial support, rehabilitation aid and tuition assistance. “An immediate response is crucial to the victims and their families, not just financially but also emotionally. That Friday in June 2015 is carved in Netanel Hadad’s mind. In the afternoon, Netanel (28) and his best friend Danny Gonen, drove out to a water spring outside their town of Dolev, in the Benyamin region. Two best friends, both 25, with the world at their feet. A Palestinian man drove by and stopped, gesturing that he had run out of water. The two stopped their car to help him. The Palestinian pulled out a gun and shot the two friends point blank. Netanel was hospitalized with some injuries. Danny was critically injured, and pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Earlier this week, a military court sentenced two Palestinians who were part of the terrorist cell that carried out the attack to 21 and 17 years in prison. To read more click here.
You can make a difference
Donate Now through Network for Good,
or send your contribution to our offices at:
The Jewish Federation of Peoria
2000 Pioneer Pkwy.
Suite 10B
Peoria, IL 61615
