The Jewish Defense Fund (JDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2022 and headquartered in New York City. JDF is dedicated to the long-term security and continuity of the Jewish community through three pillars: strategic grantmaking, direct action programs, and a permanent endowment.
JDF's programs include free and subsidized self-defense training for Jewish individuals and communities (Personal Defense Program), campus security initiatives at colleges and universities, community security enhancements, media accountability work to counter Antisemitic misinformation, legal advocacy, and mission-consistent special projects.
JDF also operates JDF Giving Funds — donor-directed philanthropic accounts program that allows individuals, families, and organizations to allocate and deploy charitable dollars toward Jewish security and continuity causes over time.
Antisemitic incidents in the United States reached a record high in 2024 — 9,354 documented incidents, a 344% increase over five years (ADL Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2024). Nearly 70% of religion-based hate crimes in America target Jews. JDF was built for this moment.
Visit jewishdefensefund.org to donate, volunteer, or open a Giving Fund.
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