Israel Gay Youth (IGY) from Israel and Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) from New York were named the winners today of the $150,000 “It’s All in the Family” campaign by UJA-Federation of New York. More than 10,000 voters cast their ballots for one of five social projects that aim to deepen the connection between New Yorkers and Israelis by bringing the communities together to address shared challenges.
The winning project from Israel Gay Youth (IGY) and Jewish Queer Youth (JQY), creates inclusive community for LGBTQ+ youth. The $150,000 will be used to foster connections between the LBGTQ+ community in NY and Israel. The mission of the organizations is to strengthen and empower LGBTQ+ youth while building bridges between different parts of the Jewish community — and beyond — to fight violence, racism, and homophobia.
The other finalists competing for the prize included a joint project between Chochmat Nashim and the Orthodox Leadership Project; IsraAID’s New York Humanitarian Network; Innovation Center & Xchange for Gen Y and Z initiatives; and an immigration assistance project by HIAS.
“It was amazing to be selected as one of five finalists along with the other organizations doing critical work to connect New Yorkers and Israelis. We are so grateful to UJA and to all the people who voted for us. Being a LGBTQ+ teenager is an experience that often involves shame and concealment. Thanks to UJA and many friends we have now the opportunity not only to give our youth a safe place to grow in but also opportunity to empower themselves, their identity and to be a leading part in their communities and to lead the future generation of Israelis and Jewish New Yorkers for making a better world to live in,” said IGY VP Liana Meirom Asif.
“Congratulations to IGY/JQY for garnering the most votes in the campaign. We are grateful to the more than 10,000 voters who took time to learn about all the projects and cast their ballot for their favorite – especially since all five projects are doing such inspiring, important work,” said Hindy Poupko, Deputy Chief Planning Officer, UJA-Federation of New York.