Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles Awards Emergency Grants in Response to Pittsburgh Tragedy

Monday, November 12, 2018

LOS ANGELES —The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation), in response to Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Congregation attack, today announced $200,000 in emergency grants to four initiatives aiding victims and survivors, ensuring community security, combatting hate, and assisting refugees.

Foundation President and CEO Marvin I. Schotland stated: “Together with millions of others in America and around the world, we at the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles mourn the loss of the 11 fellow Jews murdered at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh. Our Board of Trustees, believing positive action is the best response to this terrible and senseless tragedy, approved these emergency grants to organizations that will provide direct aid to victims’ families, as well as to support causes working proactively to prevent such despicable and evil acts from occurring in the future. With the sharp rise in anti-Semitism and premeditated violence, we must join together so that all Americans, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity, are safe and free to worship—fundamental principles of our society.”

The recipients, which will each receive $50,000, are:

  • Victims of Terror Fund, Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, which provides psychological services, support for families, additional security throughout the community, assistance with medical bills, resources for religious and day schools to help youth process this tragic episode, and additional services that may prove necessary in the future. 100% of funds collected will go to victims of terror in Pittsburgh. This fund is facilitated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
  • Community Security Initiative, Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the single point of contact for critical incident coordination, information sharing, safety and security training and resources for all of Jewish Los Angeles. It is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
  • Anti-Defamation League, which was founded in response to escalating anti-Semitism and bigotry, is today an international anti-hate organization, serving as a first responder when acts of anti-Semitism occur; and is dedicated to exposing extremism; delivering anti-bias education; and fighting hate online.
  • Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which provides services to any refugees in need of assistance, regardless of their national, ethnic or religious background.

About The Jewish Community Foundation

Established in 1954, the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles manages charitable assets of $1.25 billion entrusted to it by over 1,300 families and ranks among the 10 largest Los Angeles foundations. It partners with donors to shape meaningful philanthropic strategies, magnify the impact of their giving, and build enduring charitable legacies. In 2017, The Foundation and its donors distributed $100 million in grants to more than 2,600 nonprofits with programs that span the range of philanthropic giving. Over the past 25 years, it has distributed more than $1 billion in grants to thousands of nonprofits across a diverse spectrum. www.jewishfoundationla.org