United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2026 Annual Community Campaign kicked off in August and has been raising funds at a steady pace since. As this article goes to press, the campaign total has surpassed $4.3 million, well on its way to a $5.2 million goal.
The response to this year’s campaign has been incredibly generous, with many donors increasing their levels of support. But why so many increases? Unfortunately, it’s not too difficult to guess: security. Yes, security has become the byword of Jewish communities across the country and around the world, including right here in Tidewater. Many donors have increased their giving this year to help offset the increased cost of community security, and it’s helping.
Security covers not just the Sandler Family Campus and its agencies, but also area synagogues, Hillels, and other places where Jews gather. And it includes not just the “hardening” of physical spaces but also training for those who dwell within them – training for scenarios everyone hopes to never encounter.
Heightened security, helping to rebuild Israel (physically, emotionally, and economically), and the deep desire to continue living proud Jewish lives – these are the factors which make fundraising especially critical and meaningful this year.
For those who have not already made a pledge or gift of support for the 2026 UJFT Annual Community Campaign, please consider doing so before December 31. Gifts may be made online at jewishva.org/donate.
For those who are able to maintain, or increase a gift this year, by even a small amount, know that it will help defray the increased cost of security and enable UJFT to continue meeting its obligations to the agencies, programs, and services which make Jewish Tidewater a strong and vibrant community.
Prefer to send a check? Please make it out to UJFT with a note that it is for the 2026 UJFT Campaign, and mail it to: Campaign Department, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Prefer to speak with someone? Call the UJFT Campaign Department at 757-965-6115 to make a pledge or gift over the phone.
For more information about Untied Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the work it does on behalf of Jewish Tidewater, locally and around the world, visit jewishva.org.
Amy Zelenka is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer.