Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area

06/16/2026

Great interview with CEO Danny Labin about hope and lasting peace in the Middle East!

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - A newly announced framework peace agreement between the United States and Iran is offering hope for an end to months of conflict, but local leaders say many questions remain as negotiations move forward. The agreement, announced Monday, calls for an immediate halt ....

06/10/2026

Jewish Federation of the Desert hosted a Portrait Exhibition by world renown photographer Limor Garfinkle, “Heroes of Truth Portraits of Courage" and Rachel Heisler from the Soroka Medical Center did a multimedia presentation on the bombing of the Medical Center and a description of the wards affected. She talked about the incredible fortitude of the staff and what is the status of the rebuilding efforts. She gave insight into the partnership JFED has with Soroka, and the critical role the hospital plays in serving the needs of the people of southern Israel.

Through our Federation’s recent Israel Emergency Campaign, JFED provided special emergency funding to Soroka following the significant damage sustained from Iranian ballistic missile strikes during the summer of 2025. We are honored to support the hospital's recovery efforts and to stand with the community it serves, showing the resilience of the people of Israel during this challenging time.

06/03/2026

Danny Labin, CEO, Jewish Federation of the Desert was interviewed by Community Housing Opportunities (CHOC) as part of their Leadership Perspectives Series to discuss how strong communities are built by leaders who are willing to listen, adapt, and guide their organizations through moments of change.

CHOC highlights leaders whose work strengthens the communities where we live and build. In the Coachella Valley, few organizations have had as long and meaningful of a legacy of community impact as Jewish Federation of the Desert.

Watch Interview: https://vimeo.com/1175346786?fl=pl&fe=sh

05/25/2026

The Jewish Federation of the Desert board of directors and staff would like to honor all who have served in the Armed Forces and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank You!

05/15/2026

JFED's Holocaust Art and Poetry Student Contest Winners' Award Ceremony "A New Day Will Rise"

Photos Include:

L to R: CEO Danny Labin, Committee and Judges: Linda Carmi, Talia Lizemer-Hawley, board member Stephanie Ross, Leslie Pepper, Gary Levin, Sandi Danciger and Rabbi J.B. Sacks.

Co-Chairs: Talia Lizemer-Hawley and Gary Levin and facilitator Leslie Pepper.

Mary Lou and Mathew Mandic, 1st Place High School Poetry winner in the Holocaust Art & Poetry Contest

Second Place Poetry Winner Madeline Klein and Delilah Ruiz, Second Place Poetry winner

Third Place Poetry Winner Nayeli Ugalde

First Place Art Winner Julie Zaragoza, and Gary Levin

Second Place Art winner Ellie Hohman

Third Place Art Winner Trenton Nguyen

04/29/2026

04/19/2026

A local outreach group is helping brighten hospital visits for kids in the Coachella Valley—donating more than 1,000 books for young patients to take home.

04/17/2026

KESQ News Channel 3 Feature on JFED's presentation of Yom HaShoah at Temple Sinai.

04/16/2026

This year’s Yom HaShoah event at Temple Sinai was uplifting and inspiring, even as its theme is the remembrance of the Holocaust and “Never Again.” Musicians played Yiddish and Jewish music as people entered the sanctuary. Federation’s CEO Danny Labin and Board President Arnie Gillman shared opening remarks and then introduced Rabbi David Novak.

Talia Lizemer-Hawley spoke about the Kindness Essay Contest sponsored by Blue Card in honor of George and Goldie Jacoby. Goldie then welcomed and introduced the 8th grade winner Olivia Campbell, student of Nanette Davis teacher at Palm Desert Charter Middle School to read her winning essay.

This was followed by a candle lighting and Rabbi J.B. Sacks lead the Mourners Kaddish. Stephanie Ross introduced Ali DeLambo from Meir Panim and then Gary Levin introduced keynote speaker June Hersh, who signed copies of her book.

The event concluded with asking everyone joining together to sing Oseh Shalom.