To our Atlanta Jewish community,

Earlier this year, Federation raised concerns regarding issues at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, reflecting our obligation to steward communal resources with integrity and to ensure that organizations receiving communal support reflect clear commitments to Jewish peoplehood, Israel’s legitimacy, and responsible governance.

Over the past several months, AJFF leadership has undertaken a thoughtful process of reflection, community dialogue, and policy development. They have now publicly shared a governance framework and related policies intended to provide greater clarity around the values and standards that will guide the organization moving forward.

We appreciate the seriousness with which AJFF’s leadership approached this work and the spirit of constructive engagement that characterized the process. Federation will move forward with its planned support of AJFF through funds that had been paused.

Written frameworks provide important clarity and guardrails, but ultimately all institutions are defined by how they live their values over time. Federation’s partnerships and investments, with AJFF and across our community, will continue to be guided by both shared values and demonstrated commitments.

Strong communities are built through clarity, accountability, and partnership. We are grateful to have a community that expects thoughtful stewardship of communal resources and leaders willing to engage in difficult issues with seriousness, respect, and a shared commitment to Jewish life in Atlanta.

To our Atlanta Jewish community,

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s work is grounded in enduring values that are not situational and do not shift with circumstance.

We are unwavering in our commitment to the State of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state. Advocacy for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) or rhetoric that questions Israel’s legitimacy crosses a red line. Especially in the post-October 7 environment, anti-Zionism is not abstract — it is deeply connected to antisemitism and to the safety and dignity of Jewish people worldwide.

When concerns arose regarding the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), we engaged directly and constructively with festival leadership. We appreciate their recent public statement apologizing for and acknowledging gaps in their internal processes and committing to strengthen policies and safeguards. We applaud their willingness to listen and to take these concerns seriously.

At the same time, Federation has a responsibility that extends beyond any single relationship. Our obligation is to steward the dollars entrusted to us with integrity and to ensure that every organization we support reflects clear standards regarding Israel’s legitimacy and the Jewish peoplehood.

For that reason, we have made clear that current and future funding beyond already committed security support will be contingent upon demonstrated follow-through, including clarified policies, strengthened vetting processes, and consistent operationalization of those standards.

We have every faith that AJFF will fulfill its commitments, and we look forward to seeing the festival thrive with strengthened policies that reinforce trust and confidence across our community.

Meeting this moment requires clarity, consistency, and moral courage. Federation will continue to engage thoughtfully, hold partners accountable, and steward our community’s trust with seriousness and resolve.

We move forward with confidence in our partners, gratitude for our community’s engagement, and unwavering dedication to protecting and strengthening Jewish life in Atlanta and beyond.

Federation is horrified and heartbroken over the shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and the murder of two innocent children.

Our community knows all too well the pain, grief, and fear of violent attacks against those who come together to learn, pray, and partake in community. We are also alarmed by the vile statements of hatred uncovered in the alleged shooter’s social media accounts.

Our sincerest condolences are with our Catholic friends and all who are in grief following this heinous crime, particularly the families of the young victims.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is heartbroken as we mourn the lives lost in Israel this past weekend as a result of Iranian attacks on civilian communities. We stand in deep solidarity with our Israeli family and continue to monitor the situation on the ground in real time, staying in close contact with our partners in Israel and with those currently in-country through Federation-supported programs and missions.

As conditions evolve, we anticipate the need for a community-wide fundraising effort to support urgent needs in Israel. While we are not launching a campaign at this moment, we are actively assessing the situation and will be ready to mobilize quickly and effectively—ensuring that your support reaches those who need it most, when it is most impactful.

At the same time, we are deeply troubled by the escalating climate of antisemitism here in the United States. This week’s horrifying shootings of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and the fatal shooting of Jewish political leader and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman are stark reminders that hatred is not confined by borders. While the motive remains under investigation, these violent acts shake our entire community.

Federation’s commitment to both security and Israel—two of our five core impact areas—remains unwavering. Your donations support strategic, year-round investments in local Jewish security and resilience, and in strengthening the people of Israel through direct aid, education, programming, and partnerships.

Here in Atlanta, we continue to work closely with law enforcement and security professionals to safeguard our institutions and neighborhoods. We are proud to lead these efforts on behalf of our community, and to be a trusted partner in planning for both immediate and long-term safety and support.

In moments like these, the power of community matters most. Thank you for standing with us—for Israel, for Jewish safety, and for the future of our people everywhere.

Am Yisrael Chai.

The horrific shooting that took place in Washington, DC last night is a stark and painful reminder of the hatred and violence that continue to threaten our communities.

We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those impacted. No one should have to live in fear simply because of who they are.

This act is not just an attack on individuals, it is an attack on the values we hold dear. We stand in solidarity with the victims and with all communities targeted by hate.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s security team remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our community. We are actively coordinating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of Jewish institutions across the region, and at this time, there is no credible threat against our community.

In the greater Atlanta area, local law enforcement has committed to increasing patrols around all Jewish facilities. Additionally, our federal partners have reached out to offer their full support and are working closely with us to strengthen our security posture.

We are grateful for the swift response and ongoing dedication of our law enforcement partners at every level. Their vigilance and support are critical during these difficult times.

The safety and security of our community is our highest priority. We will not be intimidated, and we will not allow hate to divide or define us.