United Jewish Communities

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United Jewish Communities (UJC) is an American Jewish umbrella organization representing 155 Jewish Federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America. The UJC was formed from the 1999 merger of United Jewish Appeal (UJA), Council of Jewish Federations (CJF), and United Israel Appeal (UIA).

UJC embodies the Jewish community’s unwavering commitment to the tradition of tikkun olam by advocating for the provision of essential human services and a just social policy agenda.

UJC represents and serves one of the world's largest and most effective networks of social service providers and programs, enacting the federations’ pledge to “live generously,” by securing support for life-saving and life-enhancing humanitarian assistance programs in the United States, Israel and 60 other countries. It is the second largest philanthropic network in North America (second to United Way of America).

Through a multi-dimensional approach to outreach and programming, UJC strengthens the connection and contributes to greater understanding between Israel and the American Jewish community. UJC's President & CEO is Howard Rieger.

While the UJC/federation system advocates for Israel and is a major player in advocating before the US Congress and the Executive Branch of the US Government for the domestic policy priorities of the American Jewish community, it remains a non-partisan and bipartisan organization unaligned with any particular political party in the United States or abroad. UJC's advocacy in Washington, DC is led by UJC-Washington.

United Jewish Communities promotes effective philanthropy, hands-on volunteerism, shared commitment, and collective action.

[edit] Supporting Israel

Top Priority: Keeping Israel safe, strong and prosperous has always been a top priority for the American Jewish Community. It is UJC's mandate to offer meaningful support in times of need and to promote individual connection through travel opportunities and educational programs.

Israel Advocacy Initiative is based on 2 primary principles: 1. The continued support of the U.S. government is essential to guarantee Israel's long-term security, 2. Federations and CRCs play a crucial role in advancing community-based advocacy on behalf of Israel UJC/JCPA Israel Advocacy Initiative (IAI)