Ella Raffin-NPJTF

"I don't speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don't have the power to remain silent." - Rabbi A.Y.  Kook

This year I have the opportunity to be a part of the Jewish Teen Foundation, a project of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. As a first year board member, I have had the opportunity to learn about philanthropy and expand my knowledge surrounding pressing issues affecting the world. In our group of 24 passionate teens, we fundraise and allocate grants to nonprofit Jewish organizations in order to create lifelong impacts on communities. Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about helping others and communities in need. The Jewish value Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, personally resonates with my passion for giving back to the world, and the Jewish Teen Foundation gives me the opportunity to act on my personal Jewish values.

OUR MISSION THIS YEAR IS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGE BY PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS LOCALLY, GLOBALLY, AND IN ISRAEL.

Did you know?

-In Sonoma County the recent wildfires destroyed 6,600 structures, including 5,130 homes and more than 600 businesses and secondary buildings, including sheds and barns, in the Rincon Valley, Mark West and Larkfield-Wikiup area. 

-Over the last 50 years, Jordan’s River’s annual flow has dropped from more than 1.3 billion cubic meters per year to less than 30 million cubic meters due to drought and diverting water. 

-Uganda’s 2,000 Jews (Abayudaya) have long maintained a modest existence. Thus relying on their own crops to survive, have been hit hard by the drought, leaving most of the community without food for long periods of time. 

 -Twenty million people across Africa and the Middle East are now at risk of illness and death due to a famine that is centered in Somalia, Nigeria, Yemen and South Sudan cause by Civil wars, underdeveloped infrastructure and drought. 

These issues are unacceptable because no family or individual deserves to lose their homes or loved ones. Environmental problems are not only affecting distant communities, but our local area as well. These issues are extremely prevalent, and must be acted on as soon as possible.

Your contribution will create lasting impacts on local and global communities.  Every bit helps and is greatly appreciated. Our work, as well as your donation, will make a difference and touch numerous lives.

Thank you so much for your support!