- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO
From day one, the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation moved swiftly — working in lockstep to direct emergency funds and critical resources to our partners on the ground. That speed wasn’t accidental; it was made possible by years of planning, generosity and trust. And it remains essential today, as the crisis continues to evolve.
This week, the landscape in Israel remains as complex and fragile as ever.
On July 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., as talks surrounding a proposed 60-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took cautious steps forward. The proposal includes phased hostage releases and gradual military withdrawals — though humanitarian access remains a serious and unresolved concern.
As diplomatic pressure continues to mount, regional tensions escalate. Iran has issued renewed threats, and counterterror operations persist. The road ahead is uncertain, but what remains steady is our resolve.
As we navigate this moment — not only as individuals, but as a community — we are reminded that our love for Israel must be expressed not just in words, but in action. Through advocacy. Through vigilance. And, as you’ll read in the message below, through strategic and compassionate giving that honors both today’s urgency and tomorrow’s future.
The Power of Being Ready: A Message From Jennifer Molish Brier, Esq.
Chief Planned Giving Officer, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Philadelphia
When the first reports of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks began to emerge, I — like so many of us — felt shaken to my core. It was a moment of helplessness. But then, almost immediately, we acted.
Because of generous donors who had the foresight and compassion to create an endowment years ago — with no idea what the future would hold — we were able to send emergency funds to our partners in Israel that very day. Not the next week. Not after a board vote. That very day.
Those donors' legacies — their deep belief in the importance of being prepared for the unimaginable — allowed us to respond with urgency and love.
Now, I ask you to consider how you can do the same. Like these donors, you may wish to establish an endowment fund, which supports your values and makes an impact on the causes you care most deeply about for generations to come. I’d be honored to talk with you to help you create a plan that reflects your passions and priorities.
Another way to make an impact is through a donor advised fund. A donor advised fund at the Jewish Community Foundation is more than a tool for charitable giving. Each grant from your donor-advised fund is a meaningful act of solidarity with the Jewish community. We offer several ways to use your donor-advised fund (“DAF”) to invest in Israel’s future, including:
If you already have a donor-advised fund with us or another provider — I’d be honored to talk with you about how to put it to work in support of Israel’s future. If you are considering opening a new DAF, we would be happy to help.
In moments like these, we are reminded that our love for Israel must be more than a feeling. It must be a verb — lived out through the choices we make, the legacies we create and the community we build.
With hope and deep gratitude,
Jennifer Molish Brier, Esq.
Chief Planned Giving Officer
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Philadelphia
To learn more or set up a conversation, please contact jbrier@jewishphilly.org.
Thank you for standing with the people of Israel — in crisis, in strength and in enduring partnership.
Warmly,
Michael Balaban
***
If you would like to receive Israel emergency communications, please click here.