Last Edited: March 5, 2026
March 9 - Upcoming JFNA Security Briefing with Amb. Yechiel Leitner
The Jewish Federations of North America will be holding a special briefing on Monday, March 9 at 12 PM CT to discuss the latest updates on the conflict.
On the call will be Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who will provide timely insights on the latest developments.
To register for this briefing, click here: Briefing: Israel & the United States at War with Iran with Ambassador Leiter
March 5 - WATCH: JFNA Security Briefing
On Wednesday, March 4, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) held a special briefing on the rapidly unfolding conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. On the briefing was Col. (Ret.) Miri Eisin, who provided timely insights on the latest developments.
To watch the recording of this video, visit: https://youtu.be/R7gnoLv8cu8 or use the video player below.
March 5 - Update from Rosh HaAyin
As of Thursday, March 5, Israeli authorities had reported that at least 1,000 residents have been displaced after their homes were damaged by missile impacts and deemed uninhabitable.
The largest numbers are in Tel Aviv–Jaffa (approximately 730 residents) and Beit Shemesh (around 150), with additional displacement reported in Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak, Tirat Carmel, and Rosh HaAyin.
The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans is in close communication with our friends and loved ones in Rosh HaAyin. Sigal Shalev, a Rosh HaAyin-based member of the Partnership 2Gether committee, reported that at least one missile had landed near her house and caused damage to the structure. The owners of the home are safe and in good health, however. We share this video of the damage with their permission.
March 5 - How Jewish Federation's Partners Are Helping Right Now
The Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel office remains in close contact with the government of Israel and our partners, who are on the ground providing critical assistance where it’s needed most in this tense and rapidly developing situation.
Some updates from our partners around the world include:
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC):
- In response to missile strikes that rendered residential buildings uninhabitable in Beit Shemesh and Beer Sheva, JDC is working with local authorities to support displaced residents. JDC also initiated a partnership with the Beer Sheva municipality to expand emergency assistance to evacuees whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
- As part of this response, JDC is supporting the distribution of first‑aid and basic‑needs kits to evacuees, including toiletries, clothing, and other essentials. The organization also provides emergency readiness and medical equipment to support local response efforts. This includes deploying community case workers to strengthen support for older adults and people with disabilities affected by the evacuations.
- A flexible humanitarian assistance fund has been activated to enable timely, case‑specific support for residents in need.
- JDC-supported digital emergency platforms serving Arab-Israeli communities recorded a significant increase in use during the current emergency, indicating expanded access to emergency information and well-being resources.
- In northern Israel, JDC activated a shelter-based support initiative in Nahariya, distributing 160 respite kits to public shelters within one day. The respite kits include age-appropriate games and activities designed to support children and families who are spending extended periods in shelters.
The Jewish Agency for Israel:
The Jewish Agency launched a new emergency mechanism, the Roaring Lion Fund, to provide immediate financial assistance to civilians affected by the current war with Iran. The fund provides automatic, direct grants of $1,300 to individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed, or who were physically injured as a result of the attacks. Grant recipients do not need to apply; eligible cases are identified by local authorities and conveyed to the Jewish Agency for processing. The fund was created because existing victim‑assistance mechanisms are limited to terror incidents and do not cover wartime damage.
In addition, following the start of the current emergency, the Agency’s Youth Futures mentors shifted to emergency operations and are maintaining direct contact with participating children and families to assess needs and identify urgent cases. Youth Futures is assisting affected families with navigating their rights and accessing available support, including coordination with Jewish Agency emergency response mechanisms.
March 3 - The Latest on Joint United States & Israel Actions in Iran
The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans prays for the success of the joint United States and Israeli actions in Iran, and for the safety of the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces carrying them out.
We are closely monitoring events and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is keeping us informed through communication with our partners in Israel.
The safety of the Jewish community in New Orleans remains our highest priority. Our Community Security Director, James Stewart, is on full alert, coordinating closely with law enforcement to ensure a heightened security presence at all upcoming events.
We are pleased to report that this week’s community festivities were both jubilant and secure, thanks to the proactive support of NOPD, JPSO, the Mandeville Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the FBI.
As Eric Fingerhut, CEO of Jewish Federations of North America, reminds us: “May this moment bring a renewed understanding of our shared responsibility for the future of the Jewish people and the free world.”