Videos

Century of Service
Century of Service: 100 year anniversary video for Jewish United Fund / Jewsih Federation of Metropolitan Chicago

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recalled his inspiring interactions with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at JUF’s program commemorating the life and legacy of the civil rights leaders Jan. 18. White, who has served as Secretary of State since 1999, is the founder of the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

IDF saves man trapped
Dramatic videos from the Israel Defense Forces.  The amazing, life-saving work being done by agencies receiving support from the Federation’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund is drawing worldwide praise – and media attention – for its excellence, efficiency and compassion amid the chaos.

Baby born in IDF field hospital
Dramatic videos from the Israel Defense Forces.  The amazing, life-saving work being done by agencies receiving support from the Federation’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund is drawing worldwide praise – and media attention – for its excellence, efficiency and compassion amid the chaos.

IDF Field Hospital
Dramatic videos from the Israel Defense Forces.  The amazing, life-saving work being done by agencies receiving support from the Federation’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund is drawing worldwide praise – and media attention – for its excellence, efficiency and compassion amid the chaos.

YLD Big Event 2009
YLD's Big Event this year featured a night with internationally acclaimed comedian & Saturday Night Live star, Andy Samberg.  Over 1,000 people attended making it the largest YLD event in history.

Exploring the future of Turkish policy (Part 1)
Issues surrounding Turkey’s position as an ally of the United States, NATO member, ally of Israel, and aspirant of accession to the European Union have been subjects for speculation in some quarters recently. These issues were the topic for the Dec. 17 meeting of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council. Consul General of Turkey to Chicago Kenan Ipek speaks about the strength of Turkish-Israel ties, assuring that “nothing will harm the future or beneficial relations between Turkey and Israel.”

Exploring the future of Turkish policy (Part 2)
Issues surrounding Turkey’s position as an ally of the United States, NATO member, ally of Israel, and aspirant of accession to the European Union have been subjects for speculation in some quarters recently. These issues were the topic for the Dec. 17 meeting of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council. Aaron B. Cohen, executive editor of JUF News, who recently visited Turkey with the Niagara Foundation, speaks about the impact on Turkey’s Jewish community, which he also wrote about in the current issue of JUF News.

Sanctuary: Teaching About Israel on Campus
Faculty members from three of the four universities where the Jewish Federation’s innovative Israel Studies Project helps support teaching positions will discuss what they bring to their campuses and academic disciplines, and what they, in turn, are learning from the experience.  Sergio DellaPergola of Hebrew University, a visiting professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, is teaching a course on the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora.  Guy Laron, also from Israel, is a postdoctoral fellow in History at Northwestern University, where he focuses on Israel and the Middle East.   Rachel Harris is an assistant professor of Comparative and World Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and teaches Israeli literature and culture. Hosted by Aaron Cohen.

Naturalization Ceremony
120 people from more than 30 countries became U.S. citizens in a special naturalization ceremony hosted at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS Chicago).

Illinois divests millions from Iran
Illinois State Sen. Jeff Schoenberg and Rep. Lou Lang today announced the results of a significant state-level effort to curb Iran’s nuclear threat: the divestment of $133 million in state pension funds from foreign companies doing business with Iran’s energy sector.

2009 Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award(2)
Karen Budin receives the 2009 Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award

2009 Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award
Adam Barshefsky receives the 2009 Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award

2009 Samuel A. Goldsmith Award
Stephanie Pritzker receives the 2009 Samuel A. Goldsmith Award for Outstanding Young Professional in Jewish Communal Work

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Tikkun Olam
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, addressing the Jewish Federation’s 109th Annual Meeting, discusses the partnership between state government and Federation-supported social service agencies as they work together to repair the world.

Doug Cohen - Shofar Award
Doug Cohen honored for service as General Chairman of the 2009 Annual Campaign

Harvey J. Barnett - Honored Service
Harvey J. Barnett, a central figure in the Free Soviet Jewry Movement, an advocate for social justice, and a leader of the Jewish community, receives the 2009 Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award, the Jewish Federation's highest honor.

Jewish Federation’s 109th Annual Meeting
Federation President Steven B. Nasatir addresses our communal response to economic crisis, anti-Semitism, and the threat of a nuclear Iran.

Sderot, Israel
JUF provides wide-ranging support to help local children and familes endure life under fire   

Write On for Israel Video
Write on for Israel is an Intensive program that's one of JUF’s most powerful answers to anti-Israel activity on the nation’s campuses. 

Tiberias, Israel Video
A JUF-supported program helps children from impoverished families break out of their cycle of deprivation and despair. 

Adult Day Services Video
In Chicago, adult day services supported by JUF offer frail seniors a structured daily program while providing respite to their families.

Virginia Tech
On April 16, 2007, 32 Virginia Tech University students and faculty members were killed and 25 wounded by a lone student’s shooting rampage. In Chicago, JUF’s emergency relief team, J-CERT immediately offered help. 

Yad b Yad – Hand In Hand
Hand in hand, JUF volunteers in Chicago help overcome the isolation of young adults with special needs.

Support for Israelis in Southern Israel
JUF provides major assistance to students at Sapir College, in the Sderot area of Israel that has been the target of unrelenting rocket attacks from nearby Gaza. JUF also brings therapeutic relief to the traumatized children of Sderot, by providing them fun activities in safe settings.

Kefiada Teen Volunteer Program
JUF volunteer programs in Israel have a powerful effect in deepening the Jewish identities of young Chicagoans.

JUF Right Start
To give the next generation a jumpstart in Jewish identity, a new JUF program provides parents with a gift voucher towards tuition if they choose a Jewish preschool for their child.

JVS Duman Microenterprise Center & Loan Fund
In today's turbulent economy, more and more Chicagoans are turning to the Federation and its agencies for help. The kinds of need addressed by the Jewish Vocational Service are especially vital.

Blue and White Bar Night 2009
This year’s Blue and White Bar Night was held on June 18, at Enclave.  14 Jewish organizations sponsored the event which featured a fashion show of the most talented and innovative Israeli designers. The evening was a huge success with over 400 people in attendance! 

Hillels of Illinois Benefit raises close to 200 thousand dollars
The Hillels of Illinois raised more than 180 thousand dollars through a night filled with everything from food to auctions and laughter at the Chicago Hilton. Their annual Benefit dinner was a huge success, with about 250 people in attendance. 

JUF hosts job fair as part of J-Help initiative
Some 300 job seekers connected with 40 prospective employers June 24 at a JUF Job Fair organized to assist beginning to mid-level professionals.  A project of the J-HELP: A Boost in Tough Times initiative, the fair, held at Federation headquarters, was presented by JUF’s Young Leadership Division and Trades, Industries & Professions Division, in conjunction with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and Hillels of Illinois.

Preventing the Iranian Nuclear Bomb
JUF’s JCRC organized a public forum on June 23 at Anshe Emet Synagogue to discuss the Iranian nuclear program and how the Jewish community is responding.  The program featured Henry Sokolski, a nationally recognized expert on Iran’s nuclear program.

Words have meaning, and hate cannot be ignored
Comments by JUF/JF President Steven B. Nasatir at the opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

Sanctuary: Israel at 61 – An Update
Israel marked its 61st anniversary in May at a time of uncertainty and change.  “Sanctuary” explores the significance and implications of Israel’s evolving society, the new administrations in Jerusalem and Washington, their emerging relationship, the papal visit, and more.

Israel Solidarity Day Walk with Israel 2009 Highlights
Around 9,000 people throughout the Chicago metropolitan area participated in the annual Israel Solidarity Day, featuring the Walk with Israel May 3. The six-kilometer walks at seven locations highlighted Chicago’s support for Israel and its citizens and celebrated the 61st anniversary of Israel’s founding. The festivities included entertainment and food, and Walks for all ages.

Terezin Tree Dedication Speeches
The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF) has donated a young maple tree descended from the legendary tree of the Terezin concentration camp to the new Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie, Illinois.  The tree was dedicated in a special ceremony on the grounds of the Holocaust Museum, which is JUF’s newest beneficiary agency, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

Terezin Tree Dedication Ceremony
The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF) has donated a young maple tree descended from the legendary tree of the Terezin concentration camp to the new Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie, Illinois.  The tree was dedicated in a special ceremony on the grounds of the Holocaust Museum, which is JUF’s newest beneficiary agency, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

Chicago celebrates Israel at 61
A crowd gathered in Daley Plaza April 29 to the driving rhythm of Strong Black Coffee, the Ethiopian-Israeli hip-hop group performing in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut—Israel’s 61st birthday—and of Israel’s diverse culture.

YLD Volunteer Day
The first ever YLD Volunteer Day was held on Sunday, March 22 at Agudas Achim North Shore Synagogue and it was a huge success!  With 45 helping hands, we were able to sweep and mop the floors, oil/shine the benches of the sanctuary and clean several rooms of the Synagogue.

Chicago’s Young Leadership Division in New Orleans
27 young Jewish professionals from Chicago recently returned from the UJC National Young Leadership Conference in New Orleans, which was comprised of over 550 participants nationally.

Israel Solidairty Day: Walk with Israel 2009
Israel Solidarity Day: Sunday, May 3, 2009. We’re heading back to your community! Seven community events will take place this year in the City, Northern Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, Oak Park/River Forest, Skokie/Lincolnwood/Rogers Park/Peterson Park, Southern Suburbs and Western Suburbs. Join us in your neighborhood for a fun-filled morning with activities and our annual Walk with Israel!

Israel Solidarity Day: Help Children in the South of Israel
Israel Solidarity Day: Sunday, May 3, 2009. We’re heading back to your community!  Stand with the people of Israel in your community and help kids in the South of Israel at one of seven neighborhood locations near you.

Is God a Religious Idea?
In March Zohar Raviv tackled the topic with journalist Carl Schrag at The Ideas Café of Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook. Raviv is faculty member at the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies and Visiting Scholar to the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School.

YLD’s Big Event draws big crowd
If you’re a Jewish Chicagoan under 40, chances are likely that you were in a certain place on Saturday night, Dec. 13, 2008.  Like me, you probably turned out for JUF/JF’s Young Leadership Division’s (YLD) Big Event at the Westin Chicago, featuring Hassidic Reggae star Matisyahu.

Sanctuary Facing the Threat of a Nuclear Iran
Former U.S. ambassadors Mark D. Wallace, head of United Against Nuclear Iran, and J.D. Bindenagel will discuss why they believe Iran is on the verge of developing nuclear weapons; the threat that poses to Israel, the Arab world, Europe and the United States; and what the nations of the world, and individuals, can do about it.

Birthright Israel NEXT College Retreat at Starved Rock State Park
Looking at the environment through a Jewish lens was the focus of a Jewish Federation-organized Birthright Israel NEXT College Retreat at Starved Rock State Park for college-age alumni of Taglit-Birthright Israel. 

Natan Sharansky speaks on defending a democratic Israel
On February 4, Hillels Around Chicago and the DePaul Conservative Alliance brought Natan Sharansky, former Deputy Prime Minister and recipient of both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award, to DePaul University to speak on “Defending a Democratic Israel.”   This event was cosponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council and Young America's Foundation.

Federation offers reward for vandalism info
At a press conference held by the Chicago Police and the Commission on Human Relations, Lisa Klein, JUF assistant vice president and assistant director of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council, issued a statement about the recent vandalism of Chicago-area institutions and the incitement that contributes to such acts. JUF and the Anti-Defamation League are offering a reward for information leading to those responsible for the Jan. 10 acts of vandalism.

A visit to Israel’s home front
Michael Kotzin, JUF executive vice president, and Douglas Cohen, 2009 general campaign chairman, report to the media on their 60-hour solidarity mission. Kotzin also speaks about the incendiary signs and messages at anti-Israel rallies in Chicago.

Ambassador Sallai Meridor addresses the Chicago community
Ambassador Sallai Meridor addresses the community at the Chicago Stands With Israel Rally, held January 9, 2009 at Federal Plaza, Chicago.

A time of solidarity
JUF President Dr. Steven B. Nasatir gave a rousing  address at the Jan. 9 solidarity rally

Chicago Stands With Israel
Chicago Stands With Israel Rally, held January 9, 2009 at Federal Plaza, Chicago

We Stand with Israel - Community Rally
Chicago joins the Week of Solidarity across North America. Friday, January 9 at noon. Federal Plaza (Dearborn & Adams).

Mitzvahpalooza featuring Chicago Jewish Teens Got Talent
Jewish Teens from across Chicagoland volunteered, performed in a talent competition, and enjoyed the music of The LeeVees on Sunday, December 7, 2008.

Chicago Jewish Community Memorial Evening of Tribute and Solidarity
Memorial Evening of Tribute and Solidarity Dec. 3, 2008, in Skokie. The event was organized by Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois in coordination with the Chicago Rabbinical Council, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, and Chicago Jewish Funerals.

Memorial for the victims of terror in Mumbai
Remarks by JUF President Steven B. Nasatir at a Memorial Evening of Tribute and Solidarity Dec. 3, 2008, in Skokie. The event was organized by Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois in coordination with the Chicago Rabbinical Council, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, and Chicago Jewish Funerals.

Helping Those Hurt by Economic Crisis
David Sherman, the new Chairman of the Board of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, outlines how JUF’s latest initiative, J-Help: A Boost in Tough Times, is responding to the rapidly escalating need for services that has been triggered by the financial downturn.

Sanctuary - Economic Crisis and a Diverse Jewish World
This episode of the public-affairs program “Sanctuary” explores two distinct but challenging topics: Getting help to those hurt worst by the economic crisis, and navigating personal identity in a diverse Jewish world.

2008 Outstanding Young Leaders: Kelley Szany
Kelley Szany, assistant director of education for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, accepts the Federation’s 2008 Samuel A. Goldsmith Award honoring outstanding “next generation” professionals at Jewish communal organizations.

2008 Outstanding Young Leaders: Fernando Gertzenstein
Fernando Gertzenstein, administration manager for JFMC Facilities Corporation, accepts the Federation’s 2008 Samuel A. Goldsmith Award honoring outstanding “next generation” professionals at Jewish communal organizations.

2008 Outstanding Young Leaders: Debbie Winick
Debbie Winick was one of two outstanding volunteers receiving the Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award at the Federation's 108th Annual Meeting.

2008 Outstanding Young Leaders: Jennifer Levine
Jennifer Levine was one of two outstanding volunteers receiving the Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award at the Federation's 108th Annual Meeting.

Green Mitzvah Mania
Celebrating the Jewish values of environmentalism and tikkun olam.

Israel at 60 Mission - Rachel Korazim
Israel at 60 Mission - Rachel Korazim

Israel at 60 Mission - Trailer
Israel at 60 Mission - Trailer

Reflecting on a job well done
Harvey Barnett, outgoing chairman of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, reflects on his term of service at the Federation’s 108th Annual Meeting, September 18, 2008.

Salute to Leonard Sherman
Leonard Sherman accepts the Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award, the highest honor of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, at the Federation’s 108th Annual Meeting, September 18, 2008.

It’s about values, it’s about determination, it’s about leadership
The Hon. Sallai Meridor, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., extolled the partnership between Chicago’s Jewish Community and the State of Israel in achieving common goals and advancing shared values, in “doing good,” which is “basically what we’re all about.

An amazing year
“We won’t fail because the challenges facing our community are huge, the stakes are high, and the people in need depend upon us,” Steven B. Nasatir, President of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, said in his address to the 108th Federation annual meeting September 18, 2008

Sanctuary
Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn discusses his just-completed first trip to Israel, which was organized and supported by JUF, and describes the strong impact the visit had on him.

Help repair homes and lives
When the floodwaters recede, the problems begin. Do you want to help repair homes and lives? Join the Iowa Flood Relief Volunteer Mission,

Going for Paralympics gold
Among the competitors in the upcoming Paralympics games in Beijing are members of the Israeli sailing team that won a gold medal in the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Where does the money go?
See how your contribution is spent

Chicago Celebrates Israel @ 60
Chicago Celebrates Israel @ 60

Sanctuary - A Milestone Year
This episode looks at Chicago’s celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary and the strong ties between the Israel and the Jewish community here. It also features conversations with Israel’s outgoing Consul General to the Midwest, Barukh Binah, and the retiring Executive Vice President of the Chicago Board of Rabbis, Rabbi Ira Youdovin.

New Cohen Center for Jewish Life attracts and welcomes students
The dedication of the Margie K. and Louis N. Cohen Center for Jewish Life at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign took place on March 30. More than 300 donors and alumni attended the event. The Cohen Center provides a home away from home for the 3,500 Jewish students on campus.

YLD Summer Mission 2009
2008 YLD Summer Mission to Israel Video

Solidarity with people living with terror
For the past seven years Sderot and the Western Negev have been under the shadow of relentless Kassam rocket attacks. Most of us only hear about them when something tragic happens.

Sanctuary - Feminine Perspectives
The ever-evolving role of women in shaping how we see ourselves and how we act as Jews and as a Jewish community.

Iran: Insights into its Politics, Power, and Religion
On Feb. 11, the 29th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, nearly 200 people gathered at the Spertus Institute for a lecture titled “Iran: Insights into its Religion, Politics and Power,”.

What's cool about a wisdom tradition?
In this interview with Shalom TV, JUF News Executive Editor Aaron B. Cohen reflects on experiential Jewish learning, and more.

Israel Emergency Campaign
Israel Emergency Campaign

Scenes from Northern Israel
Scenes from Northern Israel

Mayor Daley Visits Israel
Mayor Daley visits Israel.

UN Partition Plan for Palestine
November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to partition Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab State.

Sanctuary – Life in the Target Zone
Three Israelis describe the physical and psychological toll seven years of rocket attacks have taken on residents in and around the city of Sderot.

2007 Sapir Awards Recipients
Listen to how our Chicago community's JUF annual campaign has been lauded for excellence at the national level.

Israel advocacy: The Jewish Federation's approach
Putting Israel advocacy at the forefront of the Federation's agenda.

The Power of a Woman's Gift
Women of the Federation

A Holocaust Survivor's Story
Aging Holocaust survivors with Alzheimer's disease have very particular needs. Here's one story of how JUF agencies lend them dignity.

Sibling Group
The brothers and sisters of kids with disabilities have special needs of their own.  Here's how one program helps.

Jewish Healing Network
When someone faces a serious illness, it's nice to know there's a caring community behind them. Here's the story of how one woman got the support she needed.

Respite Camp
Families with disabled kids have needs few of us can imagine. Here's the stroy of a special camp that brings these families respite and summer fun

Ethiopian National Project
For Ethiopian Jews, coming to Israel is the journey they dreamed of for centuries.  Here's the story about how they receive the help the need to thrive in Israel.

Steve Elliot's Story
Steve was a teenager headed for serious trouble until a JUF-funded agency helped him turn his life around.  Here's Steve's remarkable story of second chances.

Voices - Robbie's Story
Like many teens, Robbie yearned to make a difference for people in need.  Here's the story of how his involvement in JUF helped him do just that.

Feeding the Hungry
Two Hillel students had the opportunity to see the difference JUF-funded agencies make in the lives of impoverished Russian seniors. Here's the story of their remarkable trip.

Supporting Orphaned Israeli Teens
Israeli teens whose parents died in teror attacks need support from the global Jewish community, Here's the story of how JUF reached out to a group of these brave young people.

Respite for Orphaned Israeli Teens
Israeli teens whose parents were killed by terrorists need extra support. Here's the story of how JUF brought a group of them to Chicago for a week of respite and summer fun. 

Sinai Health Center
Her baby was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart defect, but Esther couldn't afford the surgery he desperately needed.  Here's the story of how a baby's life was saved.

Alex's Story
Alex emerged from the fires of the Holocaust with little but his life.  Here's the story about how JUF/Federation agencies worked together to help him begin again.

'Sanctuary' - Jewish life and issues on campus
Issues impacting Jewish life on campus are explored in this edition of "Sanctuary," which aired Aug. 19, on ABC7-Channel 7.

Steven B. Nasatir addresses key issues
Watch excerpts of remarks by President Steven B. Nasatir, delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.