Hannah Engel - NPJTF

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, who am I? If not now when?" - Hillel 1:14

The Jewish Teen Foundation is a project of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund which helps 24 diligent teens develop Jewish philanthropy skills. This group offers teens the opportunity to learn how to fundraise effectively and allocate grants which will benefit Jewish and secular organizations serving communities locally, globally and in Israel. I joined JTF to engage in impactful work with fellow Jewish teens working towards the same goal. It is truly an honor practice Tikkun Olam through philanthropy. 

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. 

In October, the largest wildfire in Northern California burnt 36,000 acres of forest.

Hurricane Harvey left 738,000 people to register for help with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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 been relying on their own crops to survive while being hit hard by the drought. Most of the community lives without food for long periods of time. 

Pressing issues such as climate change and natural disasters are leaving families without homes and food—things we often take for granted. No person affected by environmental disasters should be left homeless or searching for food.

Contributing to this cause will improve the general well being of our regional neighbors as well as people in need around the world. I appreciate your time and consideration; every bit counts. Thank you!