“The support of our community gives families like Emma’s the chance to grow, thrive, and create the futures they’ve always dreamed of.”
Submitted by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Peace. Connection. Opportunity. Family. Safety. Each of these is possible for individuals in our community — thanks to you.
This past summer, twenty Israeli teens found a brief respite from the chaos of war. Freed from fear and uncertainty, they kayaked, laughed and connected with new friends at Cincinnati’s Camp Livingston. For eleven days, they experienced what childhood should feel like: joy, peace and belonging. “It was so fun, and I wished it had lasted four more weeks,” said Reem, one of the campers from Netanya.
Your generosity, along with the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and co-funder David Gershuny, made this possible, creating moments of hope for young lives impacted by conflict. As Don Shuller, VP of Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Planning & Allocations Committee shared, “This is what community is all about — giving children a chance to experience joy and connection, even in the hardest of times. Together, we can make the impossible feel possible.”
And just as you gave these teens a sense of peace, you also helped another young person find connection — this time, through art.
Because of you, Lexi reconnected with her Jewish identity through painting. As an apprentice on the “Let There Be Light” mural, Lexi worked alongside local artists and fellow community members to bring vibrant color and Jewish heritage to downtown Cincinnati. “This project helped me feel proud of who I am and where I come from,” she said. Your contributions not only revitalized our cityscape but also gave young people like Lexi a deeper connection to their past and their community.
Beyond helping individuals find their place, you’re also opening doors to opportunity.
Your generosity helps families facing challenges they never expected; like Emma.* Emma and her husband spent years trying to grow their family, suffering numerous setbacks and heartbreak along the way. But that changed when Emma and her husband turned to the Jewish Fertility Foundation-CINCY, which you help fund through Federation’s annual campaign. The financial support and emotional connection she received gave her renewed hope and the opportunity to pursue the dream of expanding her family. Today, Emma holds her baby girl in her arms — a miracle made possible by this community’s care and compassion.
For families experiencing grief and hardship, you ensure that no one is left behind. This year alone, Federation-supported programs provided essential services to seniors, offering counseling, companionship and support for those facing isolation or health challenges. Whether it’s helping an older adult navigate a difficult loss or connecting them with resources to live independently, your gift makes a tangible difference every day.
And in a time when safety and security are more important than ever, you continue to stand strong for our community. Your support helped SAFE Cincinnati, our security arm, increase the number of trained officers protecting synagogues, schools and other institutions.
These stories are a testament to what happens when we unite as a community. As 2025 Annual Campaign cochair Ed Kuresman told the crowd at our recent Impact Breakfast, “Our community has been striving to uplift one another … and we want to hold onto this energy.”
From security to social services, your generosity fuels programs that offer healing, dignity and opportunity. And we make sure that every gift counts — with 87 cents of every dollar going directly to programs that change lives.
Together, we are lifting families up, building a stronger Jewish Cincinnati and creating a brighter future for generations to come.
*Pseudonym used for privacy
