With the coronavirus outbreak affecting the New York region, the health and wellness of every member of our community is top of mind.
As chief convener and funder of a vast network of organizations serving the elderly, the infirm, and the economically disadvantaged, given all that is happening, we simply cannot slow down our work. Those who count on us every day are relying on us even more right now.
Some of our community members have asked whether we are proceeding with events and programs. UJA is in ongoing conversation with city and state public health officials, and is complying with all recommendations. To protect people’s health and help curb the spread of the virus, we’ve made the decision to postpone all large-scale events scheduled through April 16, with the hope of rescheduling. We will continue to assess the situation and keep you updated. If you have questions about whether a particular program or event is postponed, please email or call our donor center at 212.836.1485.
Meanwhile, we’re still planning many large-scale events for late April and beyond. Whether these events go as planned or get postponed, we urge you to sign up to generously support our work. Money raised through fundraising journals and events enables us to sustain and strengthen a network that provides essential, life-enhancing programs across the community. Your support is needed now more than ever.
As we did last weekend, when we distributed kosher meals from our postponed Westchester Celebration to families in quarantine, we’re prepared to act quickly in response to emerging needs. For this upcoming Shabbat, we’re again arranging for UJA volunteers to deliver 500 kosher meals to individuals and families in need who are still under quarantine in Westchester.
Rest assured that we’re committed to keeping you informed and to making decisions based on the most up-to-date public health recommendations. We will be cautious, but we will continue to serve our community in every way possible.
We’re told that in the month of Adar, when we celebrate Purim, marbim b’simcha, our happiness increases. Understandably, given how the current situation is weighing on all of us, it may feel like a tall order. But I urge you to hold on to optimism, especially now. The work we do is so important, the way we lift lives does matter, and we can find strength in one another.
We thank you for your support and pray for the good health of all.