American Friends News

After a long application and review process, AFNK has been accepted into the United States ’ Combined Federal Campaign.

Similar to the United Way , the mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to donate to worthy causes.

AFNK was approached by the CFC and encouraged to apply for membership.  This is unusual in itself, as non-profit organizations often scramble for this coveted inclusion.  It was explained to us that an increasing number of federal employees had been requesting the opportunity to donate to organizations supporting Israel .  In 2004, there were very few Israel support organizations from which the federal employees could choose.  The government learned about the work of AFNK, liked our mission, and contacted us.

Nearly four million federal employees and military personnel are able to contribute to the non-profits of their choice during the annual charity drive, which runs from September 1 through December 15. Established in 1961, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the largest workplace charity campaign in the country and the only campaign authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace.

Each year, more than 300 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally help to raise millions of dollars. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

What you can do to support Neot Kedumim
through the CFC

If you or someone you know is an employee of the U.S. government, you can share this good news.  Encourage them to donate to American Friends of Neot Kedumim through the program of the Combined Federal Campaign by designating American Friends of Neot Kedumim as the recipient of their generosity.
We are confident that AFNK will receive contributions as a result of this program which, in turn, will help Neot Kedumim in Israel to continue its unique and important work.

Neot Kedumim's first benefit concert -
a big success

The first benefit concert for Neot Kedumim took place at Temple Shalom of Chevy Chase on March 26, 2006.  Performers included 3 cantors (Rachel Epstein, Sarah Geller, and Ramon Tasat), 2 choirs (Zemer Chai and The Shir Shalom Choir), and 4 instrumentalists (percussion, flute, bass, and piano).

The concert was presented under the patronage of the Israeli Ambassador and Mrs. Daniel Ayalon and was sponsored by American Friends of Neot Kedumim.

Approximately 300 people attended, with a total of approximately $10,000 , net expenses, raised.

The program included liturgical and popular music about the land of Israel . A photo presentation “Images of Neot Kedumim” was set to instrumental music, and provided a visual treat for the audience.

Other special added features included a bar mitzvah student who had decided to adopt Neot Kedumim as his Mitzvah Project.  Zachary Siegel sold bottled water during the intermission, in the spirit of 'ka'afikim ba'Negev' (“like rivulets in the Negev ”—see “Desert and Shepherd In Our Biblical Heritage”, pages 89-93).  He sold 250 bottles of water, and was so elated with everyone's excitement about his project, that he has continued selling at other venues.

The concert booklet included a total of 24 special sponsorships and 14 paid advertisers.

Zack Siegel designed the label on the water bottles he sold for his bar mitzvah project

A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers.

We look forward to future concerts in other areas of the country. If you are interested in making one of these special events become a reality, or if you know someone who might like to make Neot Kedumim his/her Mitzvah Project, please send us a note!