Stories of Empowerment
See how JDF is empowering individuals, families, students, and communities to face rising Antisemitism with preparation, not fear.
The Reality We Face
With Antisemitic incidents at record levels—9,354 reported in 2024 alone, a 344% increase over 5 years—Jewish communities face unprecedented challenges. Nearly 70% of such hate crimes in America target Jews. JDF responds with direct action, empowering individuals, communities, and students to face these realities with preparation, not fear.
Building Confidence in the Next Generation
HAFTR High School, Long Island, NY
JDF funded and organized free self-defense at HAFTR High School on Long Island, bringing in professional fighter Natan Levy to instruct students. Beyond practical skills, the program builds confidence, fosters unity, and creates meaningful hands-on experiences in an age where teens are often isolated on their devices. Principal Dr. Joshua Wyner was present—a powerful statement of community solidarity.
"This program does more than teach self-defense. It empowers our students with confidence and brings our community together."
Bring professional self-defense training to Jewish schools nationwide.
JDF funded and organized free self-defense at HAFTR High School on Long Island, bringing in professional fighter Natan Levy to instruct students. Beyond practical skills, the program builds confidence, fosters unity, and creates meaningful hands-on experiences in an age where teens are often isolated on their devices. Principal Dr. Joshua Wyner was present—a powerful statement of community solidarity.
"This program does more than teach self-defense. It empowers our students with confidence and brings our community together."
Bring professional self-defense training to Jewish schools nationwide.
Defending Students on Campus
Campus Self-Defense Series
Jewish students on college campuses face unprecedented hostility. JDF's campus program provides semester-long Krav Maga training and real-life situation handling skills to students and staff at risk of Antisemitic hate crimes. Beyond physical defense, participants build community, develop confidence, and send a clear message: Jewish students will not be victims.
~70%
Religion-Based Hate Crimes Targeting Jews
Year Over Year
Campus Incidents Rising
Support semester-long self-defense programs on college campuses.
Jewish students on college campuses face unprecedented hostility. JDF's campus program provides semester-long Krav Maga training and real-life situation handling skills to students and staff at risk of Antisemitic hate crimes. Beyond physical defense, participants build community, develop confidence, and send a clear message: Jewish students will not be victims.
~70%
Religion-Based Hate Crimes Targeting Jews
Year Over Year
Campus Incidents Rising
Support semester-long self-defense programs on college campuses.
Strengthening Our Communities
Free Community Self-Defense Classes
JDF provides free self-defense classes in Jewish communities anywhere. These aren't just training sessions—they're gatherings that strengthen communal bonds and demonstrate that our community stands ready. Occasionally, non-Jewish allies participate alongside us, showing that the fight against Antisemitism extends beyond our community. Everyone who stands with us is welcome.
Bring free self-defense training to Jewish communities nationwide.
JDF provides free self-defense classes in Jewish communities anywhere. These aren't just training sessions—they're gatherings that strengthen communal bonds and demonstrate that our community stands ready. Occasionally, non-Jewish allies participate alongside us, showing that the fight against Antisemitism extends beyond our community. Everyone who stands with us is welcome.
Bring free self-defense training to Jewish communities nationwide.
Jewish Defense Incubator
Empowering Women Through Self-Defense
JeDI Grant Recipient
When a community member wanted to bring personal safety training to girls and women in her community, JDF's Jewish Defense Incubator (JeDI) program made it possible. With direct funding from JDF, she organized and hosted a self-defense class tailored specifically for women—teaching practical skills that foster confidence and preparedness in an era where Antisemitic incidents have reached record levels.
Support grassroots community safety initiatives through our incubator program.
When a community member wanted to bring personal safety training to girls and women in her community, JDF's Jewish Defense Incubator (JeDI) program made it possible. With direct funding from JDF, she organized and hosted a self-defense class tailored specifically for women—teaching practical skills that foster confidence and preparedness in an era where Antisemitic incidents have reached record levels.
Support grassroots community safety initiatives through our incubator program.
25M+
Media Accountability
25+ Million Reached
Media Accountability Pillar
Through strategic media engagement and accountability support, JDF efforts have reached over 25 million people with messages that combat Antisemitic narratives and misinformation. In an information age where narratives shape reality, ensuring accurate representation of Jewish communities and the threats we face is essential for long-term security.
Help us combat Antisemitic narratives and misinformation at scale. Help us reach 1+ billion people, to push back against the rising tide of Antisemitism.
Through strategic media engagement and accountability support, JDF efforts have reached over 25 million people with messages that combat Antisemitic narratives and misinformation. In an information age where narratives shape reality, ensuring accurate representation of Jewish communities and the threats we face is essential for long-term security.
Help us combat Antisemitic narratives and misinformation at scale. Help us reach 1+ billion people, to push back against the rising tide of Antisemitism.
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