They have also launched the COVID-19 Loan Fund for Communities in Crisis and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore stepped up to extend support to desperately needed Jewish communities in Italy and Spain.

“The coronavirus crisis is causing severe financial distress in Jewish communities across the world, many of which lack the funds to meet their immediate needs. Communities that were previously financially stable have suffered a sharp decline in income and are struggling not only to maintain basic services and programs, but also to assist community members who require help,” said a JAFI representative.

In Rome, Italy’s capital and home to the world’s oldest Jewish community, many different welfare organizations are working to help communities cope with the situation. The Associated provided funding that helped Jewish day schools transform their classrooms to meet current health regulations that included dividing rooms in to capsules, extra sanitation equipment and proper training for teachers and staff.

And as the second wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll, the needs in Italy have shifted to more welfare and financial aid.

“We are working with other organizations to provide financial aid and support to those families who need help with payments of mortgages, rents or condominium expenses,” explained Jason Reitberger, Israel and Overseas Co-chair. “Additionally, we were able to provide emergency funds to help supply telemedicine equipment in coordination with the Jewish Medical Association in Italy.”

The financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate Jewish communities in Spain as well.

“There are currently 135 families that are in need of financial aid in the Jewish community of Madrid, and the number is growing,” said Nina Rosenzwog, Israel and Overseas Co-chair. “We, along with other Federations, are helping to provide food baskets and hygiene products to supplement for rent payments, medicines, technical aid and more.”

 “The Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain (FCJE) was able to allocate emergency funds to support Jewish families across eight cities in Spain. Together, we have provided critical services to some of the most disadvantaged members of our community who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic,” said Carolina Aisen, Director of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain. “Sadly, our work is far from over.”