By Stephanie Smartschan
JFLV Director of Community Development & Operations

 

Needs in the community are expected to grow exponentially as the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is taking steps to address them.

 

At the end of March, the Federation opened the Coronavirus Emergency Fund to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable and cover emergency needs at local agencies that may arise from extended closures.

 

As of April 24, the fund had raised over $55,000 from 125 donors, including a matching gift of $20,000 from Bonnie and Bobby Hammel.

 

That money is already being distributed in the community by the Federation’s Emergency Distribution Committee. Federation President Gary Fromer, past president Wendy Born, Allocations Chair Iris Epstein and Emergency Fund Co-Chair Dr. Mickey Ufberg are serving on the committee.

 

“At this critical time, we are all witnessing the need to help our local agencies and their constituents to survive,” Ufberg, along with his wife and co-chair Eileen, said in a statement. “Please join us in donating generously to this contingency fund. Anything you can give is very much appreciated.”

 

Additional funding will help ensure that Jewish life in the Lehigh Valley remains vibrant and strong long after this crisis passes.

 

“Federations were made for times like these,” said Jeri Zimmerman, Federation’s executive director. “In crisis, we are the safety net and the support system that sustains Jewish communal life.”

 

The Federation is working closely with area agencies and synagogues to determine both agency and individual needs.