I like visiting Washington D.C., but I don’t see myself spending a lot of time there. The city has some amazing museums, and tells of the rich history of our country and our government. While I have a deep respect for the political process, I am not as passionate about politics as some people.
However, politics play a vital role in decisions that may be of benefit to Jewish communities throughout the U.S, in Israel and around the world. So while I personally do not like to get too involved in the process, I appreciate when those who do enjoy politics are able to rally for positive change.
I recently received an email from William C. Daroff, Senior Vice President for Public Policy &
Director of the Washington Office for the Jewish Federations of North America. It said, “After months of collective advocacy, I am pleased to report the Omnibus Spending Bill has been signed into law, which includes support for a number of programs critical to Federations and will fund the federal government through the next fiscal year.”
Included are increased allocations for the Department of Homeland Security Nonprofit Security Grant Program (from $25 million to $60 million), and the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living’s Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (from $2.5 million to $5 million).
In addition, the U.S. State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom will be provided with at least $1 million for programs to combat anti-Semitism abroad. The bill also calls for funding for the U.S. State Department’s Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues.
Jewish Federations of North America and Ohio Jewish Communities are both funded in part by campaign dollars. Through your generous support of our Annual Campaign, both organizations are able to lobby for important causes and be an integral part of the legislative process.
I was so happy to read through William’s email. It pleases me to know that through this bill, our Jewish communities will have more funding to devote to safety, combating anti-Semitism, and caring for our aging Holocaust survivors.
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