The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group awarded more than $727,340 to support 32 capital projects for Fiscal Year 2027.

Fueled by the generosity of JFRE members, who support the JFRE Fund through annual membership dues, the projects will receive vital funding to create welcoming places for people to safely congregate, worship and learn in.

As a result of the unprecedented global and local rise in antisemitism, JFRE continues to prioritize security-related initiatives that protect the community against increased threats of violence and Jewish hate.

"At a time of unprecedented antisemitism, these grants reflect JFRE’s commitment to creating safe spaces where Jewish life can thrive,” said JFRE Chair Jessica Morgan. “By investing in critical infrastructure and security enhancements, we are helping protect and sustain institutions across Greater Philadelphia and in Israel. We are grateful to our members and corporate sponsors whose generosity makes this work possible and helps safeguard our Jewish future."

Learn more about JFRE’s latest grantee organizations below:

GREATER PHILADELPHIA GRANTEES

Beth Chaim Reform Congregation
Beth Chaim is an inclusive Reform synagogue in Chester County, PA. With support from the JFRE Fund, the congregation will install anti-ramming barriers to protect congregants during outdoor programs. The project also includes internal safety measures, such as vertical rod panic bars for sanctuary doors. To learn more about Beth Chaim Reform Congregation, click here.

Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Beth Israel is a Reconstructionist congregation located in Media, PA. It is the second oldest congregation in Delaware County and the oldest Reconstructionist congregation in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. A JFRE Fund grant will provide upgrades to the synagogue's internal detection and alert systems to protect congregants and Hebrew school students. To learn more about Congregation Beth Israel, click here.

Rose and Morris Caskey Gan Israel Camps of Greater Philadelphia
Camp Gan Israel is a ten-acre day camp offering a welcoming and inclusive approach to Jewish education. The camp is rooted in Ahavat Yisrael, an unconditional love for every Jew regardless of background or experience. A JFRE grant will help mitigate the risk of power failure, which is a critical safety issue for a large summer camp. The grant will support the installation of propane-powered standby generators for the dining hall and pool house, which serve as essential hubs for the camp’s emergency PA system and panic buttons. In addition, Camp Gan Israel received an emergency grant to replace broken water tanks. To learn more about the Rose and Morris Caskey Gan Israel Camps of Greater Philadelphia, click here.

Camp Poyntelle
Camp Poyntelle, founded in 1948, is a co-ed Jewish overnight camp located in the Pocono Mountains. A JFRE Fund grant will support the installation of an automated gate system to allow camp guards to focus on critical security needs on campus. To learn more about Camp Poyntelle, click here.

Camp Zeke
Camp Zeke is a Jewish overnight camp focused on healthy, active living and culinary arts. While serving a national population, the camp hosts Philadelphia-area campers through Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia scholarships. With support from the JFRE Fund, Camp Zeke aims to rehabilitate its half-mile access road and drainage systems to support emergency vehicle access. To learn more about Camp Zeke, click here.

Chabad of the Main Line
Serving as a central pillar for Jewish life and education, Chabad of the Main Line offers a wide variety of opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbaton dinners, and an array of family and social activities. A JFRE grant will help replace emergency exit doors and replace door handles and locks to ensure rapid lockdown capabilities throughout the building. To learn more about Chabad of the Main Line, click here.

Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia
Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia is an Orthodox Jewish day school that provides a dual curriculum for over 200 students from nursery through eighth grade. A JFRE Fund grant will support the installation of a comprehensive fire alarm system and the hardening of exterior doors to meet occupancy codes and protect students and staff. To learn more about Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia, click here.

Chesed Philly
Chesed Philly provides kosher food to food-insecure families in the Orthodox community through the Tomchei Shabbos program, bridging a critical service gap that larger mainstream food agencies have historically struggled to reach. With the support from the JFRE Fund, the group will revamp the walk-in freezer and refrigerator, which is essential for maintaining food safety and operational capacity. To learn more about Chesed Philly, click here.

Congregation Tiferes B'nai Israel of Warrington

Congregation Tiferes B'nai Israel of Warrington is the oldest continuously operating synagogue in Bucks County. To ensure resilience during power outages and maintain visibility on its grounds, a JFRE grant will help fund the installation of solar-powered parking lot lighting and a portable emergency backup power system. To learn more about Congregation Tiferes B’nai Israel of Warrington, click here.

Federation Housing
Federation Housing provides affordable housing communities and services that empower low- and moderate-income seniors to live independently and with an enhanced quality of life. Currently, the organization is developing a new senior residence in Blue Bell to expand their impact. A JFRE Fund grant will provide a comprehensive camera network during the build-out to create a secure environment for seniors from day one of occupancy. To learn more about Federation Housing, click here.

Germantown Jewish Centre
A vibrant synagogue in Philadelphia known for its inclusive community and active programming, Germantown Jewish Centre serves a broad demographic, including a preschool, a large LGBTQ+ population and a high volume of older adult congregants. With support from the JFRE Fund, the organization will fortify the facility’s glass surfaces with high-grade impact-resistant security film to the entrances and replace existing doors and sidelights. To learn more about the Germantown Jewish Centre, click here.

Har Zion Temple
Har Zion Temple, a historic Conservative congregation in Penn Valley, PA, offers a sanctuary for prayer and study and a sense of belonging for more than 700 community member families and friends. A JFRE grant will help replace exterior doors and support the implementation of an AI-powered license plate recognition system to identify unauthorized vehicles and deter property damage. To learn more about Har Zion Temple, click here.

Kaiserman JCC
A multi-generational hub in Wynnewood, PA, the Kaiserman JCC serves the Main Line with diverse cultural, educational and wellness programs. A JFRE Fund grant will support a comprehensive security infrastructure overhaul to replace camera systems in order to maintain a safe environment across the campus. To learn more about the Kaiserman JCC, click here.

Kesher Israel Congregation
Kesher Israel Congregation is a diverse, vibrant Jewish community located in the heart of Chester County. With the support from the JFRE Fund, the synagogue will install high-output security lighting to eliminate blind spots and support the efficacy of existing surveillance cameras. To learn more about Kesher Israel Congregation, click here.

Lubavitch of Montgomery County
A highly active Chabad center in Fort Washington, Lubavitch of Montgomery County is founded on the principle of “Love Your Fellow Man.” It is committed to enhancing the spiritual and physical well-being of the Jewish people and to provide the opportunity to study and experience Judaism without regard to degree of commitment or form of affiliation. A JFRE Fund grant will support infrastructure upgrades, including access control on new doors and a public alert system. To learn more about Lubavitch of Montgomery County, click here.

Main Line Reform Temple Beth Elohim
A vibrant, inclusive Reform community in Wynnewood, PA, Main Line Reform Temple Beth Elohim is deeply committed to spiritual growth and social justice. The temple serves a large membership of over 900 families. A JFRE Fund grant will support the construction of a bulletproof door to create a secure, controlled access point. To learn more about Main Line Reform Temple Beth Elohim, click here.

Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia
Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia is an Orthodox boys' high school focused on leadership development and academic excellence in both Torah and secular studies. With support from the JFRE Fund, the school will replace the gymnasium doors with high-security fixtures and integrate them into the school's central alarm system. To learn more about the Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia, click here.

Mitzvah Circle
Mitzvah Circle provides basic material goods, case management, coaching, and referrals to individuals and families facing poverty, homelessness, serious illness, and difficult circumstances. Following a recent fire, the organization is working to address critical needs at the Lansdale campus. A JFRE grant will provide the Mitzvah Circle with a comprehensive CCTV network to protect staff, volunteers and vital inventory. To learn more about Mitzvah Circle, click here.

Old York Road Temple Beth Am
A vibrant Reform Jewish community in Montgomery County, Old York Road Temple Beth Am offers diverse religious, cultural, educational and social programs to over 500 families. A JFRE Fund grant will focus on updating security infrastructure in the preschool, including installing integrated door locks. To learn more about Old York Road Temple Beth Am, click here.

Or Hadash
Or Hadash is a Reconstructionist congregation focused on education and spiritual community. With support from the JFRE Fund, the organization will focus on creating a secondary safe room. To learn more about Or Hadash, click here.

Politz Yeshiva & Bais Yaakov
Politz Yeshiva & Bais Yaakov is an Orthodox Jewish day school in Northeast Philadelphia, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. A JFRE grant will support the installation of strategic cameras in high-priority areas and interior upgrades. To learn more about Politz Yeshiva & Bais Yaakov, click here.

Rodeph Shalom
Congregation Rodeph Shalom is a historic Reform synagogue located on North Broad Street. A JFRE Fund grant will provide upgrades to the building’s emergency system, including new cameras to monitor child-care areas and transit corridors. To learn more about Congregation Rodeph Shalom, click here.

Shir Ami Reform Congregation
Congregation Shir Ami is a Reform synagogue in Newtown, PA, serving more than 500 families. A JFRE grant will support the implementation of a comprehensive security system to manage facility access. The overhaul includes a full locksmithing of the campus, a key storage system, and staff training to ensure a standardized response to lock-and-key protocols. To learn more about the Shir Ami Reform Congregation, click here.

South Philadelphia Shtiebel
The South Philadelphia Shtiebel is a pioneering Orthodox synagogue, led by Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter, located in the East Passyunk neighborhood of South Philadelphia. With support from the JFRE Fund, the congregation will replace parking lot and interior doors with fire-rated steel alternatives, alongside upgrades to the second-floor emergency exits. To learn more about the South Philadelphia Shtiebel, click here.

Temple Brith Achim
Temple Brith Achim is a Reform synagogue serving the Jewish communities of King of Prussia, PA. Their JFRE Fund grant will provide funding for reinforced windows with impact-resistant film, cameras for children's spaces and advanced access control for doors in high-traffic areas where preschool and Hebrew school students gather. To learn more about Temple Brith Achim, click here.

Camp Harlam (URJ)
Camp Harlam is a Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) overnight camp in the Pocono Mountains and serves over 900 campers annually. A JFRE Fund grant will provide professional-grade walkie-talkies and a duress alarm system, as well as a remote-access alarm system to ensure rapid emergency notification across the camp. To learn more about Camp Harlem, click here.

ISRAEL GRANTEES

Apter-Barrer Art Center & Gallery Ma'alot Tarshicha
The Apter-Barrer Art Center & Gallery Ma'alot Tarshicha is a Galilee-based cultural hub that fosters artistic expression and social cohesion between Jewish and Arab communities. JFRE’s grant will enhance the center's security infrastructure through the installation of surveillance cameras, perimeter fencing and the separation of the electrical system to ensure a safe environment for artists and visitors. To learn more about the Apter-Barrer Art Center & Gallery Ma’alot Tarshicha, click here.

Kibbutz Naaran
Located near the Jordanian border, Kibbutz Naaran integrates large-scale agriculture with impactful educational programs that host thousands of youth annually. A JFRE Fund grant will support the completion of a perimeter observation system and a dedicated command center to address security gaps along the Jordanian border. The system provides real-time identification and alerting capabilities to protect both permanent residents and the thousands of students attending the kibbutz’s educational center. To learn more about Kibbutz Naaran, click here.

Kibbutz Saad
Kibbutz Saad is an agricultural community in the Gaza envelope located just three kilometers from the border under the Sdot Negev Regional Council. The kibbutz is currently focused on enhancing communal safety and resident peace of mind through updated security measures. With support from the JFRE Fund, the community aims to install a state-of-the-art surveillance and night illumination system throughout key areas of the kibbutz. The high-quality cameras will enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to suspicious activity, filling critical gaps in the existing IDF-installed security grid. To learn more about Kibbutz Saad, click here.

Kiryat Shemona
Kiryat Shemona is a northern border city that serves as a regional epicenter for rehabilitation and community resilience. A JFRE Fund grant will help transform neglected bomb shelters into safe, inviting community hubs for children, teens and families. By adapting these protected spaces for educational and social activities, this initiative aims to provide security and stability for residents to return to the city. To learn more, click here.

Latet
As Israel’s leading humanitarian organization, Latet is dedicated to combating poverty and nutritional insecurity, serving over 500,000 individuals monthly. The Jewish Federation has partnered with Latet for nearly two decades, supporting its growth from the nation's first food bank into a massive logistical network. With support from the JFRE Fund, Latet seeks to upgrade security and emergency infrastructure at logistical centers in the North and South to ensure uninterrupted aid delivery. Funding covers camera and alarm systems, backup generators, satellite phones for delivery trucks and emergency response cabinets stocked with essential supplies. To learn more about Latet, click here.

Leket
Leket is Israel’s largest food rescue organization, specializing in harvesting surplus agricultural produce and distributing meals to vulnerable populations. The Jewish Federation has supported Leket for twenty years, including recent collaborations to assist farmers in partnership regions during the conflict. A JFRE grant focuses on enhancing security at critical food collection and distribution points through the installation of fencing and camera systems. These upgrades will allow partner NGOs in Sderot and Acco to safely monitor their premises and meet the increased demand for food assistance. To learn more about Leket, click here.

***

The Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group brings professionals together to learn, network and lead the way in creating a more secure Jewish world through philanthropic investments. Founded in 2008, JFRE is a membership-based affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

For more information about JFRE and how to become a member, visit jewishphilly.org/JFRE or email jfre@jewishphilly.org.