Jewish Defense Fund
    About JDF

    Jewish Defense Fund vs. Similarly Named Organizations

    Jewish Defense Fund (JDF) is sometimes confused with other organizations that have similar names. This page explains, plainly and respectfully, who we are and who we are not.

    Who the Jewish Defense Fund is

    The Jewish Defense Fund (JDF) is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 88-0703290, founded in 2022. Our IRS tax-exempt determination was received in October 2023. We are headquartered at 3 Columbus Circle, Floor 15, New York, NY 10019.

    Our mission is the security, continuity, and resilience of the Jewish community through grantmaking, direct-action programs, and a permanent endowment.

    Organizations JDF is not affiliated with

    Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)

    Jewish Defense Fund is not affiliated with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), and is a separate legal entity. FIDF is a separate U.S. nonprofit that supports soldiers and veterans of the Israel Defense Forces. JDF's work focuses on Jewish community security in the United States, not the Israeli military.

    Jewish National Fund (JNF-USA)

    Jewish Defense Fund is not affiliated with the Jewish National Fund (JNF-USA), and is a separate legal entity. JNF-USA is a separate organization focused on land, environmental, and community development in Israel.

    Jewish Federations of North America

    Jewish Defense Fund is not affiliated with the Jewish Federations of North America, and is a separate legal entity. The Jewish Federations of North America is a separate federation system of Jewish communal organizations.

    Jewish Defense League (JDL)

    Jewish Defense Fund is not affiliated with the Jewish Defense League (JDL), and is a separate legal entity. The JDL is a militant organization founded in 1968. JDF has no connection, historical or organizational, to the JDL. JDF is a nonpartisan charity that works through lawful grantmaking, training, legal advocacy, and education.

    How to verify JDF

    Learn what JDF doesView transparency informationRead the FAQ