250 Years Later: Profound Promises and Unfinished Work
As our nation recently commemorated Independence Day and the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence 250 years after its signing, I find myself reflecting on both the profound promise of this country and the unfinished work to make that promise real for everyone. The past several years have been undeniably difficult for many of the communities we serve at JFS. Across the country, we continue to see court decisions, policies, and public rhetoric that create fear and instability for people who are already navigating significant vulnerability, including Jewish communities targeted by antisemitism, people with disabilities, those struggling to feed their families, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ+ people, and many others. This milestone anniversary is a moment to recognize what is extraordinary about this country, while also being honest about the work ahead to ensure that all people can live with safety, stability, and dignity.
From its inception 134 years ago, Jewish Family Service (JFS) has stood as a beacon of hope for individuals and families as they face life’s challenges. Today, due to the continued erosion of our country’s social safety net, critical lifelines like access to food, affordable housing, disability services, and social security are all in jeopardy. Yet, we remain fiercely committed to doing the hard work necessary to lift up the people who need it most, fueled by the unwavering support of our community.
Even in these hard moments, at JFS we continue to find joy, connection, and community. We draw deep inspiration from those who came before us, particularly our Older Adult Services clients, many of whom survived the horrors of the Holocaust. They persevered, holding out hope for a future promise in a new land far away from the lives they had known. JFS helped them build a new life, like this Holocaust survivor from the former Soviet Union:
“New country, new people, unfamiliar culture and traditions—everything is new for newcomers. How do we find our way? At first, we were confused about where and how to begin our new lives. Jewish Family Service was the miracle we needed. JFS helped us become active, self-assured members of society. We are no longer isolated—we are engaged, we are needed, we have made friends. Thanks to JFS for transforming our lives.”
Our clients face immense obstacles that can make hope feel out of reach at times. We honor them by walking alongside them with compassion, providing dignified care, advocating for their needs, and never losing sight of the possibility of a better future. In doing so, we are reminded every day of the resilience, humanity, and strength of our entire community. We embrace the ideals upon which our country was founded: the belief that all people are inherently equal, possess fundamental freedoms, and have the right to pursue happiness.
Alongside the principles that form the foundation of this country, we celebrate the Jewish values that guide our work. Through acts of service and everyday kindness, we show respect for human dignity (K’vod HaBri’ot), and we do the profound, essential work of repairing the world (Tikkun Olam) every day.
With your support, we can and will continue to navigate the ongoing challenges that make life much harder for so many members of our community. We can and will strive every day to ensure the people we support — Jewish individuals and families, refugees and immigrants, and our broader community — have what they need not only to survive, but to truly thrive.