Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters,

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One hundred years ago, visionary leaders of the San Antonio Jewish community like yourselves faced the shutting of our borders, with intolerance and bigotry marginalizing immigrants from the mainstream.  They saw the need to provide for Jewish families, build financial security, start businesses, and confront temporary setbacks. So was created the Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio (HFLA-SA).  

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Today's perpetual loan fund exists and grows because those leaders inspired new generations to take the responsibility of gemilut chasidim, assisting those less fortunate. But as Rabbi Feigenbaum said at our Chartering in 1924, “Gemilut chasadim is not charity ... it is simply for mutual protection.”

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A century later, we are celebrating our Centennial Year in 2024 and are grateful for your support. Since 1924, thousands of families and individuals have borrowed several million dollars at zero percent interest. These funds, provided by community members and partner agencies, let new businesses arise, provide medical treatment for suffering people, educate worthy students, and pull myriad families back from the brink of financial ruin. ​

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Then came COVID-19, and a new wave of financial needs presented themselves. The Jewish community, led by the Jewish Federation of San Antonio (JFSA), helped mitigate the crisis. After receiving $50,000 in emergency funding from the JFSA, HFLA-SA lent $442,000 to 88 borrowers.  However, one crucial aspect of our community was beyond our ability to address: small business owners who needed between $25-50,000 to keep their doors open until PPP Loans kicked in a few months later. 

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A century from now, our community members must be able to reflect on our Centennial Celebration Campaign achieving a watershed, raising $1,000,000 and creating capacity to fulfill small- business owners’ needs while increasing the amounts available for the current loan programs.  Please help us reach our Centennial goal with a sponsorship or donation and celebrate with us at our Centennial Year Celebration Picnic on May 5, 2024, from 12:00-3:00 PM at the Barshop Jewish Community Center.

 

Please review the list of sponsorship and donation levels for the Centennial Celebration Campaign and see which may best fit your philanthropic budget. Let us be remembered as dedicated stewards of this precious community resource; let’s be the generation endowing the community with a new level of support for urgent needs in difficult times. To donate or become a sponsor, please call or use the donate button. You may also donate by using Zelle via our phone number or mail in a check to the address below.

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Phone: 210-736-4352

Address: 12500 NW Military Highway, Suite 200, San Antonio, Tx 78231

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Most Sincerely,

The Board and Staff of HFLA-SA