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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mindi Frankel, for Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego
(760) 518-5313 or mindi@hflsd.org

HEBREW FREE LOAN OF SAN DIEGO HELPS PROVIDE $3.4 MILLION LOAN FOR HUMANITARIAN NEEDS IN ISRAEL 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – (December 27, 2023) – The International Association of Jewish Free Loans, along with 17 of its member agencies throughout the U.S., are joining together to provide over $3.4 million in an interest-free loan for emergency financial assistance to Israeli individuals and families. Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego contributed $27,700 to the efforts, fundraising specifically for this vital need according to Mindi Frankel, executive director of Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego.

The war against Hamas has thrown Israel’s economy into turmoil. The country is in a state of national emergency following the brutal October 7, 2023 attacks on innocent civilians in Israel. More than 360,000 reservists have been called to active duty, away from their jobs and families. Small business owners across the country, especially in the South near Gaza, are unable to conduct business as usual. Thousands have lost their homes, loved ones, and/or livelihoods.

Ogen, a nonprofit social lending enterprise in Israel, has launched its Swords of Iron Emergency Relief Fund in response. Ogen will provide interest-free loans to assist tens of thousands of Israelis who are having difficulty meeting their basic needs. Loans will support those who:

  • Lost their possessions or their homes in the terrorist attacks
  • Lost their sources of income due to the attacks or the subsequent impacts of war
  • Are living in conflict zones

“Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego normally loans only to residents of San Diego County. However, these are not normal times,” said Frankel. “It was important to be a part of this incredible effort, but we did not want to use existing funds. It become a priority to raise funds to participate and help Ogen, and these donations will come back to the local San Diego community in three to five years to serve our local community.”

When Ogen launched this important effort to assist thousands of Israeli citizens experiencing hardship following the October 7th attacks, IAJFL and its members were eager to stand in solidarity with their sister agency in Israel. The funds IAJFL agencies are lending to Ogen will be used to provide individuals and families with interest-free emergency relief loans of up to 60,000 shekels (approximately $15,500). Ogen will repay IAJFL and the participating agencies within 5 ½ years.

For additional information, please contact:

Cindy Rogoway, Executive Director
Hebrew Free Loan of San Francisco
131 Steuart St, Ste 520
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 546-9912

About Hebrew Free Loan:

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) provides interest-free loans to local Jewish households experiencing temporary financial shortfalls overcome challenges and pursue their dreams and become successful members of the community. Based on the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice/charity), gemilut Hasidim (acts of loving kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), HFLSD provides a hand-up through interest-free loans, with dignity, to meet a wide range of needs, including for emergencies, small business, medical expenses, fertility, education, debt consolidation, and loans for the recently unemployed.

HFLSD is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization and a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans. Learn more at www.hflsd.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aimee Cebulski, for Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego

(619) 549-4810 or aimee@aimcommunications.com

GRAEME GABRIEL NAMED BOARD CHAIR FOR HEBREW FREE LOAN OF SAN DIEGO

Established Community Leader Takes Over as Chair in New Year

 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – (October 30, 2023) – Graeme Gabriel has been named the new Board Chair for Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD), effective January 1, 2024. Mr. Gabriel has been an active part of Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego since its establishment in early 2021, serving on both lending and development committees.

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego has a core mission: To aid and empower members of the San Diego Jewish community to help themselves by providing interest free loans and achieve financial self-sufficiency. Mr. Gabriel recently shared that “Working with HFLSD these past few years to help foster its roots and growth in our community has been a great honor.” He added that “now, I am thrilled to lead our distinguished Board in our drive to raise more funds and grant even more loans.”

HFLSD’s founder and initial Board Chair Selwyn Isakow will continue serving on the HFLSD Board, ensuring continuity of the organization’s mission and goals. “Through the efforts of our Executive Director, staff and Board, HFLSD has evolved from a start-up to a well managed loan organization, serving those needing a hand-up for a broad array of personal requirements and aspirations. We are delighted to have Graeme lead us through our next phase of growth,” Isakow commented.

Mr. Gabriel will lead the Board’s efforts over the next two years. “Graeme’s incredible expertise in finance, leadership and community service will be invaluable as we identify new community grant and lending partners, as well as new avenues to reach potential borrowers,” said Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego Executive Director Mindi Frankel.

Well established in the San Diego business community, Mr. Gabriel is an experienced professional in the real estate and development communities. He is the former Co-President of ColRich, a leading residential real estate development and investment company he first joined in 2001 after returning to San Diego from Washington, D.C. During his tenure in Washington, D.C., he worked in Commercial Real Estate for both Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Company and GE Capital Real Estate.

Mr. Gabriel grew up in San Diego and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently the President of Jewish Community Foundation, past President of the board of Congregation Beth El, a current Trustee of the Francis Parker School, as well as a past Board Member of the Building Industry Association of San Diego.

About Hebrew Free Loan:

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) provides interest-free loans to local Jewish households experiencing temporary financial shortfalls overcome challenges and pursue their dreams and become successful members of the community. Based on the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice/charity), gemilut Hasidim (acts of loving kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), HFLSD provides a hand-up through interest-free loans, with dignity, to meet a wide range of needs, including for emergencies, small business, medical expenses, fertility, education, debt consolidation, and loans for the recently unemployed.

HFLSD is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization and a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans. Learn more at www.hflsd.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Aimee Cebulski, for Hebrew Free Loan San Diego

(619) 549-4810 or aimee@aimcommunications.com

CHULA VISTA RESIDENT FIRST RECIPIENT OF NEW INTEREST-FREE LOANS AVAILABLE THROUGH HEBREW FREE LOAN OF SAN DIEGO

Applications Open for Recently Launched Program Providing Funds to Those in Need

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – (April 26, 2021) – Chula Vista resident Marionne Vigderovich

is one of the first group of recipients of interest-free loans now available through Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD).  The newly launched 501 (c)3 is a member agency of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans.

Marionne is using her $5,000 Education Loan (renewable potentially for up to two years) to complete her bachelor’s degree in sociology from National University.  Raised in Israel, her family moved to Tijuana and Marionne commuted from Tijuana to attend a Jewish high school in San Diego. She realizes how important community is and has stayed in San Diego even after her family relocated to Nebraska.  She finished her associates degree in sociology and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree to help her follow a career in either social work or college counseling.

The HFLSD Education Loan will allow Marionne to pursue her educational goals without having to extend herself with hefty student loans. Her education loan will balance with her FAFSA monies to allow her to complete her bachelor’s degree.   “MY HFLSD loan will help me pay my tuition at National University and supplement the cost of my education. Without this loan, I am not sure I would have been able to stay enrolled. My education is the most important thing to me right now, as I look towards my future and I am so thankful toHFLSD for helping me pursue my dreams!” she said

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego has a core mission: To aid and empower members of the San Diego Jewish community to help themselves by providing interest-free loans and achieve financial self-sufficiency.  “We have a variety of interest-free loans to help San Diegans in need; beyond educational support, we offer loans for everything from financial emergencies, small business costs, medical expenses, fertility treatments, Jewish education and summer camps, the recently unemployed and many others,” said HFLSD Executive Director Mindi Frankel.

Jewish/Hebrew Free Loans has developed as a proven business model, providing aid and empowerment for families in over 50 cities worldwide.  Individuals interested in learning more about the loan programs, how to apply and also how to support the newly formed HFLSD in their efforts can log on to www.hflsd.org for additional information.

About Hebrew Free Loan:

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) is a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans with 50 member agencies in North America, Israel and Australia,

and was launched with the goal of helping people with temporary financial needs to become or remain self-supporting, self-respecting members of the community through access to interest-free loans. HFLSD’s mission is to provide Jewish households who are financially insecure, to overcome short-term financial needs/emergencies. HFLSD philosophy is to provide its constituents a hand-up – not a hand-out!

HFLSD is excited to help individuals and families throughout San Diego county overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. Based on the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice/charity), gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), they will provide interest-free loans with dignity to meet a wide range of needs: including for emergencies, small business, medical expenses, fertility, Jewish education, student loans and many others including loans for the recently unemployed.  Learn more at www.hflsd.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Aimee Cebulski, for Hebrew Free Loan San Diego

(619) 549-4810 or aimee@aimcommunications.com

CARLSBAD RESIDENT FIRST RECIPIENT OF NEW INTEREST-FREE LOANS AVAILABLE THROUGH HEBREW FREE LOAN OF SAN DIEGO

 Applications Open for Recently Launched Program Providing Funds to Those in Need

CARLSBAD, Calif. – (April 20, 2021) – Carlsbad resident Hadassah is one of the first group of recipients of interest-free loans now available through Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD).  The newly launched 501 (c)3 is a member agency of the International Association of Jewish Free Loan.

Furloughed from her job as an assistant property manager for low-income housing units at the beginning of the pandemic and facing costs associated with legal fees relating to a battle with tenants of her personal rental unit, Hadassah found herself dipping into her retirement account just to make ends meet.  She was referred to HFLSD by a friend to apply for their “Recently Unemployed” loan which would help her cover expenses and no longer need to withdraw from her retirement savings.  Hadassah was approved for a $12,000 interest-free loan to help with her needs for the next six months.

“This loan gave me the breathing room I needed to get my debt under control while things begin to return to normal,” Hadassah said.  “This loan will allow me to pay off high interest credit card debt without incurring more interest payments.  The application process was easy and I am so thrilled to have this resource available in our community — Others in need should apply!” she added.

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego has a core mission: To aid and empower members of the San Diego Jewish community to help themselves by providing interest-free loans and achieve financial self-sufficiency.  “We have a variety of interest-free loans to help San Diegans in need; beyond support for the recently unemployed, we offer loans for everything from financial emergencies, small business costs, medical expenses, fertility treatments, Jewish education and summer camps, student loans and many others,” said HFLSD Executive Director Mindi Frankel.

Jewish/Hebrew Free Loans has developed as a proven business model, providing aid and empowerment for families in over 50 cities worldwide.  Individuals interested in learning more about the loan programs, how to apply and also how to support the newly formed HFLSD in their efforts can log on to www.hflsd.org for additional information.

About Hebrew Free Loan:

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) is a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans with 50 member agencies in North America, Israel and Australia,

and was launched with the goal of helping people with temporary financial needs to become or remain self-supporting, self-respecting members of the community through access to interest-free loans. HFLSD’s mission is to provide Jewish households who are financially insecure, to overcome short-term financial needs/emergencies. HFLSD philosophy is to provide its constituents a hand-up – not a hand-out!

HFLSD is excited to help individuals and families throughout San Diego county overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. Based on the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice/charity), gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), they will provide interest-free loans with dignity to meet a wide range of needs: including for emergencies, small business, medical expenses, fertility, Jewish education, student loans and many others including loans for the recently unemployed.  Learn more at www.hflsd.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Aimee Cebulski, for Hebrew Free Loan San Diego
(619) 549-4810 or aimee@aimcommunications.com

HEBREW FREE LOAN SAN DIEGO NAMES FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO HELM NEW LOCAL ORGANIZATION

Community Engagement Leader Tapped To Direct Growth Efforts

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – (January 25, 2021) – Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) has named Mindi Frankel as its first-ever Executive Director, brought on board to grow the newly launched 501 (c)3  interest-free lending institution, a member agency of the International Association of Jewish Free Loan.

Hebrew Free Loan San Diego has a core mission: To aid and empower members of the San Diego Jewish community to help themselves by providing interest free loans and achieve financial self-sufficiency.  Frankel comes to HFLSD after a successful tenure consulting with Hands of Peace from 2015 until 2020, creating a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for the international organization designed to foster understanding and engagement between divergent cultures.

“Mindi’s extensive background in cross-cultural communication, marketing, coalition building and development make her the ideal choice to lead our new San Diego endeavor, creating processes and partnerships to carry us forward,” said Selwyn Isakow, board president.  “Her leadership and enthusiasm will bring momentum, organization and initiative to shape and grow our regional efforts,” Isakow added.

Jewish/Hebrew Free Loans has developed as a proven business model, providing aid and empowerment for Jewish families in over 50 cities worldwide.  Individuals interested in learning more about the loan programs, how to apply and also how to support the newly formed HFLSD in their efforts can log on to www.hflsd.org for additional information.

Prior to her time with Hands of Peace, Frankel held a number of marketing and communications positions including serving as Director of Marketing for Financial Profiles, Inc. and Sales and Marketing Manager with Park Place Productions.  She has also run her own independent communications consulting firm, Just Write Marketing, since 2000 and has served on the board of directors of both Temple Solel and the Encinitas Education Foundation.  Frankel holds a Master of Arts degree in Literature and Writing from California State University, San Marcos and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Marketing from San Diego State University.

About Hebrew Free Loan:
Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) is a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans with 50 member agencies in North America, Israel and Australia, and was launched with the goal of helping people with temporary financial needs to become or remain self-supporting, self-respecting members of the community through access to interest free loans. HFLSD’s mission is to provide Jewish households who are financially insecure, to overcome short-term financial needs/emergencies. HFLSD philosophy is to provide its constituents a hand-up – not a hand-out!

HFLSD is excited to help individuals and families throughout San Diego county overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. Based on the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice/charity), gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), they will provide interest-free loans with dignity to meet a wide range of needs: including for emergencies, small business, medical expenses, fertility, Jewish education, student loans and many others including loans for the recently unemployed.  Learn more at www.hflsd.org.