As threats against Jewish communities across the United States continued to escalate to dangerous levels, Jewish Federations are ramping up grassroots advocacy at the state level to ensure their safety and security. 

 

In January 2026 alone, Federations in Florida, Missouri, and Washington State brought dozens of members to their respective state capitols for state advocacy days. Focusing on state-level security grant funding and combating antisemitism, each Federation held both bipartisan and bicameral meetings with elected officials.  

 

The 141 Federations in the system can affect change from coast to coast, a feature unique to the Jewish Federations system. Having built the necessary relationships and understanding both the threats and opportunities before them, Federation lay leaders and professionals are well-positioned to advocate for the various needs of their communities.  

 

They also recognize that securing flourishing Jewish communities starts at the local and state level. The demand for security funding outpaces what currently exists at the federal level, making it vital that states step up to help fill the gap. What is passed – or not - in state legislatures has direct consequences in people's everyday lives. 

 

“The reality of the post-October 7th landscape is that there’s been a heightened need to get involved,” said Eli Berne, State Director of Government Relations at Jewish Federations of North America. “Federations have the people on the ground and the resources to ensure effective advocacy at the state level and are on the frontlines of securing Jewish communities and fighting antisemitism and hate.” 

 

Although the Florida, Missouri, and Washington Federations’ advocacy touched on similar themes, the specific policies at the center of all three differed by state. 

 

In Missouri, Jewish Federation of St. Louis partnered with other Jewish organizations to advocate for funding of the state’s nonprofit security grant program, which was established last year.   

 

"As the costs of protecting our community continue to rise, state security grants are essential in helping Jewish organizations create safer environments to pray, learn, and celebrate,” said Michael Lourie, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “Our conversations with lawmakers reinforced the rising threat of antisemitism while also emphasizing that each dollar we spend on our own security is a dollar we are unable to put toward the many important programs and experiences that serve our community.” 

 

Representatives from the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle advocated for security funding in their meetings with lawmakers in Olympia, as well as protecting funding for a new statewide hate crimes and bias incident hotline, an interfaith bill to recognize Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and other communal holidays as official state holidays, and a bill that protects the entrances and exits of houses of worship across the state.  

 

“The core message that we wanted to share with elected officials was one of inclusivity and interfaith partnership,” said Max Patashnik, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Public Affairs at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. “When we take steps to protect faith communities in all corners of Washington State, it only makes the Jewish community stronger.” 

 

Nearly 200 Jewish community leaders from across Florida, led by the Federations’ Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism and Hatred and coordinated with all of Florida's Jewish Federations, attended a two-day gathering focused on highlighting the strategic economic partnership between Florida and Israel and speaking with lawmakers about their legislative priorities. These included the renewal of Florida Nonprofit Security Grant (FL-NSGP) funding, establishing a state-wide antisemitism task force, and a Title VI coordinator for all K-12 school districts and public universities.  

 

“Highlighting the value of a strong Florida-Israel relationship and what our Jewish community brings to the table is key to addressing the priorities of Florida’s Jewish community,” said Alex Lewy, Director of Community Relations for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. “From our synagogues to our children’s schools, we face threats that we can’t tackle alone. Implementing these policies can help us fill the gaps by providing critical resources that only the state can provide.” 

 

Jewish Federations of North America provide support, but local Federations spearhead each state advocacy day. They are on the frontlines of securing Jewish communities and fighting antisemitism – in this case, from the East to the West Coasts and everywhere in between. 

 

“What makes the Federation system so special is that we have the people on the ground who understand their communities' unique needs and can ensure that the resources and strategies are in place to effectively advocate at the state level,” said Berne. “We truly are greater than the sum of our parts, and it is a privilege to work with so many quality professionals and leaders across the country.”