Joshua Cohen will helm the newly formed Jewish Federations of New Jersey.
Five leading Jewish federations from across the state of New Jersey have announced the establishment of a new umbrella organization: Jewish Federations of New Jersey (JFNJ). The new JFNJ replaces the New Jersey State Association of Jewish Federations.
The decision to create this new organization comes at a time when Jews around the country are feeling increasingly unsettled. With anti-Semitism on the rise, incidents of hate and bias increasing and Israel’s safety and well-being challenged, the Jewish federations want to show leadership and develop strong partnerships with elected officials, special interest groups and law enforcement.
JFNJ will serve as the coordinated voice of the organized New Jersey Jewish community to foster the relationship between and within New Jersey’s Jewish community, the New Jersey community at large, and the people and government of Israel. In addition, JFNJ will leverage strategic partnerships with nonprofit groups across New Jersey, coordinating the efforts of the five leading regional Jewish federations.
“Jewish Federations of New Jersey will focus on government relations, fighting anti-Semitism, Israel advocacy, state-wide collaboration, and security coordination,” said Jason Shames, CEO of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. “New Jersey has 500,000 Jewish residents, and it’s important the Federation takes an active leadership role in protecting their interests.”
The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey is just one of the five federations that have combined forces to facilitate the creation of this new organization; others include Jewish federations of Greater MetroWest; Heart of New Jersey; Somerset, Warren and Hunterdon Counties; and Southern New Jersey.
According to Dov Ben-Shimon, CEO, Jewish Federation Greater MetroWest, “Many months of discussions and research into best practices, models of organization, and common objectives have brought us to this great new beginning of advocating for our community and partnering to make a difference.”
Joshua Cohen will head the organization, with the title of director, government relations and external affairs. “Jewish federations have touched more lives than any other Jewish organization. I am grateful for the opportunity to join this exciting endeavor that will enhance the quality of life for the Jewish community and beyond,” said Cohen.
Cohen is an experienced nonprofit executive with a proven track record of spearheading entrepreneurial and innovative programmatic, fundraising and leadership initiatives. He is an expert resource and thought partner for nonprofit and community- based organizations, the business community, the media, law enforcement institutions, government agencies and elected leaders, and community partners from diverse religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Cohen previously served as the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League’s New Jersey Regional Office, which served Northern and Central New Jersey. In this role he was responsible for the overall planning, direction and administration of all regional office activities, including program delivery, fundraising and revenue development, leadership development, communications, government relations, fact-finding/research and office/team management.
Prior to joining ADL, Cohen was a government relations executive at UJA-Federation of New York.
The new office will officially open its doors on July 1.
By JLNJ Staff
