Seventh grader, Joshua Matthews of East Brunswick, will become a Bar Mitzvah at the end of February. 

In anticipation of this milestone, Joshua was looking for a Mitzvah Project, a meaningful way to give back to those in need. Then October 7^th happened.  Israel was first on the minds of Joshua and his family. They turned to Federation to ask, “What can we do?” 

With the help of Federation’s professional team and its online peer-to-peer fundraising platform, Joshua created a personal campaign to benefit Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey’s humanitarian aid to Israelis whose lives are shattered by war. 

His goal was $10,000. To date he has raised $7522.

When asked why he chose to create this personal fundraising campaign through Federation, Joshua replied, “I always felt I wanted to help Israel with my Mitzvah Project and especially now with this crisis. I feel it’s my obligation and every Jew should stand by Israel and its people when antisemitism is running rampant in the world. My parents and grandparents have taught me all my life that Federation gets help where it is needed.”

Anyone can set up a personal "peer-to-peer" fundraising campaign through Jewish Federation by contacting Federation’s Director of Financial Resource Development, Audrey Napchen. 

“Whether someone’s passion is helping Israel or local efforts aiding seniors or people with special needs, preventing and protecting against antisemitism and security threats, or inspiring young people to build a strong Jewish future,” Audrey explains, “creating a personal fundraising campaign as Joshua did enables you to bring family and friends in on Federation’s work getting help where it is needed.”

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey thanks Joshua for caring about the Jewish people and wishes a hearty mazel tov to him and his entire family!

To make a contribution to Joshua's Israel Emergency Campaign go HERE.