Promoting human dignity is core to our mission

We believe that all humans are of equal value and deserving of respect and dignity, regardless of their race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.

Our story

How AMJF was founded

The American Multinational Jewish Federation (AMJF) is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 92-1046432) dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of individuals—regardless of faith, gender, or ethnicity—both within their home countries and among those displaced by natural or human-made crises. Upholding human dignity lies at the core of our mission and all of our endeavors.

AMJF was established in response to the humanitarian crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting influx of refugees, particularly into neighboring Moldova. At the request of several family foundations, Dr. Marc Siegel, our founder and CEO, traveled to the conflict zone to conduct a thorough needs and risk assessment to help direct donor support. Through this assessment, AMJF identified and vetted local NGOs, civil society organizations, and educational institutions in Ukraine and Moldova, forging partnerships with trusted groups able to directly support those affected by the crisis. Dr. Siegel pledged to stand with these local organizations for as long as necessary in their pursuit of freedom and democracy, leading to the formal creation of AMJF as a U.S.-based nonprofit to facilitate ongoing support for these local partners.

Dr. Marc Siegel leverages his extensive expertise in systems-based risk, resilience, crisis, and security management to develop education, training, and crisis management programs for organizations and supply chains in Ukraine and Moldova. In partnership with CUMAI universities, AMJF offers university courses and workshops on good governance, compliance management, organizational resilience, and risk management, serving both the academic and business communities in Ukraine and Moldova.

Since our inception, AMJF has provided vital funds, supplies, and resources to support those who remain in Ukraine as well as refugees in Moldova. Our efforts are delivered in close partnership with local organizations, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most. AMJF also played a key role in founding the Consortium of Ukrainian and Moldovan Academic Institutions (CUMAI), which now serves as a primary mechanism in the region for identifying needs, procuring and distributing essential supplies, delivering educational and professional training, and developing innovative programs—such as using pickleball for mental health care and physical rehabilitation.

Through these collaborative actions, AMJF remains committed to alleviating the impact of crises on individuals and communities, empowering local actors to address urgent needs and build resilience for the future.

Our philosophy

Our guiding philosophy is rooted in the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. At the heart of Judaism are the values of human dignity and the sanctity of life. Our faith and history emphasize that caring for the stranger and supporting those in need is essential to building a better world. We believe that every human being is of equal worth and is entitled to respect and dignity, regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other beliefs, national or social origin, property, birth, or any other status.

As an organization, we are committed to advancing Jewish values alongside universal human rights, upholding the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all people. We dedicate ourselves to supporting individuals and communities affected by natural or human-made crises, particularly in regions facing greater adversity. Our ultimate goal is to promote freedom, justice, and peace globally through our work.

How we work

Step to step into our process

The American Multinational Jewish Federation (AMJF) operates by building a network of trusted local Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and educational institutions to address the needs of people in high-risk and vulnerable environments.

Our approach is rooted in the Russian proverb, “Trust, but verify” (Доверяй, но проверяй – “Doveryai no proveryai”), popularized by President Ronald Reagan. This principle guides our commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficacy in our humanitarian efforts.

Needs assessment

AMJF collaborates with local organizations to identify the needs of people impacted by human-made and natural crises. Afterwards, we create a “menu of needs” based on the identified requirements, including supplies and projects such as water purification devices, thermal blankets, hygiene products, and gynecological examination vouchers for refugees.

Donation

From the Donation page, donors pick what supplies they wish to help procure and have delivered on their behalf, and/or which local organizations they wish to support. Donors may specify from the “menu” what funds and supplies are delivered to which NGOs or allow AMJF to determine where their donation will have the most impact based on the latest needs assessment.

Donation receipt

AMJF verifies that the funds or supplies were delivered and used as designated. As a 501C3, AMJF provides a tax receipt for the donation.

Procurement and distribution

AMJF facilitates the procurement of supplies and delivery to the local organization, or sending the funds directly to them for procurement. We also ensure that the funds or supplies were delivered and utilized as intended through verification processes.

Humanitarian Aid Coordination Headquarters of Odesa Region

Humanitarian Aid Coordination Headquarters of Odesa Region identifies needs and distributes supplies through various NGOs and CSOs in the Odesa region and Southeastern Ukraine. AMJF provides winter supplies, thermal emergency blankets and components of first aid kits, feminine hygiene products, emergency lights with phone rechargers, power banks for laptops, phones, and lighting.

Emergency thermal blankets delivered to Mitsva

Emergency thermal blankets delivered to Mitsva – The International Foundation for Cooperation and Development of Education, Culture and Charity in Kyiv, Ukraine

Help people in need

You can make a real impact! AMJF empowers local organizations to support vulnerable communities by providing coaching in capacity building, project development, and supplies and service delivery. Working together, we identify the needs of people affected by natural or human-made disasters and create a tailored “menu of needs” that outlines essential supplies and services.

As a donor, you have the flexibility to choose how you help—by sponsoring specific supplies for delivery, directly supporting local organizations, or making a donation to AMJF for targeted assistance where it’s needed most. Join us in making a meaningful difference for those in need!

The AMJF is not affiliated with the Jewish Federations of North America and operates as an independent 501C3 nonprofit corporation.