We’re excited to announce that our $1 million state appropriation toward the Stone Lodge and Chaifetz Holocaust Memorial and Education Center was included in the final state budget last week. 

This needed funding was made possible thanks to the outstanding leadership of Senator Joe Gruters and the dedicated advocacy of Representative Fiona McFarland. Their support secured vital funding that will help bring powerful educational and cultural opportunities to life in our community. 

The funds will support an immersive Holocaust education experience for students, teachers, and the public; Camp Yonnie, our inclusive summer camp; dynamic cultural programs for families and young adults; and training sessions aimed at raising awareness and combating antisemitism — all housed within the future Stone Lodge. 

These experiences will deepen understanding, build empathy, and empower participants to become Upstanders—active voices against hate—while strengthening the fabric of our Sarasota-Manatee community.

We Helped Prevent Budget Cuts to Holocaust Education 

In a quick response to proposed budget cuts, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee played a key role in helping prevent harmful cuts to the advanced education programs in our local schools. The cuts would have hindered the ability of school districts to offer meaningful Holocaust education to High Schoolers in Sarasota Manatee, regionally and state-wide.  

In April, concerned parents and educators from Sarasota and Riverview High Schools raised alarms about a proposed state budget that would slash funding for AICE, IB, and AP programs. Recognizing the urgency, JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee) members Rachael Feldman and Mary Collier – both parents of students in these programs – immediately reached out to us and rolled up their sleeves. Under the leadership of David Fried, Board Member and Chair of the JCRC, and Dr. Liat Alon, Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, we mobilized, using the Federation’s strong relationships with school leaders, elected officials, and partner organizations across Florida.

Governor DeSantis Press Conference and Reception at State College of Florida   

On July 14, a powerful delegation from the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee had the honor of attending a special event hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis at New College of Florida. Warmly invited and proudly represented by David Fried, Federation Board Member and Chair of the JCRC, alongside Edie and David Chaifetz and Rabbi Altshuler from Temple Beth Sholom, we had a unique and meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude in person. 

We personally thanked Governor DeSantis for his unwavering support of the Jewish community, his strong condemnation of antisemitism, and his extraordinary leadership in providing emergency evacuation flights for Americans stranded in Israel during the June 2025 war with Iran. These enabled many both Jewish and non-Jewish volunteers who had no other way to get home. We also thanksed Senator Jay Collins, who played a critical role in this lifesaving initiative – one unmatched by any other state.