with the JFLA community, she spoke candidly about the emotional and financial toll of trying to grow her family. After two long and painful years of attempting to get pregnant, she and her partner were told that IVF was their best, and likely only, path forward. While the hope was there, the cost felt overwhelming and out of reach.

That’s when the generosity of Feit 4 Kidz and the Jewish Free Loan Association of Los Angeles (JFLA) helped change everything.

With the support they received, Renee and her family were able to move forward with IVF, turning uncertainty into possibility, and possibility into reality. On February 18, their long-awaited dream came true with the birth of their daughter, Zoey Eloise.

Today, Zoey is seven months old and thriving. She’s already earned a reputation as a joyful presence, “the happiest, smiliest baby,” as friends and family love to say. Renee jokes that Zoey is simply happy to be here, a sentiment that carries deep meaning after such a long journey.

Zoey’s arrival has also brought new joy to her big sister, Ayla, who absolutely adores her baby sister and proudly embraces her role as the eldest. Watching the bond between the two girls grow has been a powerful reminder of just how transformative this support has been for their family.

Renee and her family remain deeply grateful to Feit 4 Kidz and JFLA, not just for financial assistance, but for making it possible to complete their family with dignity, hope, and compassion.

Their support gave us the greatest gift imaginable,” Renee shared. “We will forever be grateful.

With the support of Feit 4 Kidz and JFLA, Renee’s family was able to pursue IVF and welcome their joyful baby girl, Zoey, completing their family at last.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiiSz7HUnns

Thanks to a generous gift from Alan and Emily Feit, Jewish Free Loan offers zero-interest, zero-fee loans to individuals and couples in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and Santa Barbara counties who are struggling with bills and expenses related to IVF, surrogacy and adoption including mental health expenses related to infertility.

JFLA x Feit 4 KidZ Loan Fund

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5vFewle1vI

National Infertility Awareness Week: Support the Feit 4 KidZ Fertility Loan Fund

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Loans for individuals or couples to offset the cost of infertility treatments, up to $25,000.


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In Vitro Fertilization and Surrogacy 

Renee's IVF story continues happily

A Family's Journey, Continued

Infertility is a road paved with uncertainty. For six years, my husband, Isaac, and I navigated its twists and turns, never knowing what each day would bring. We held onto hope, but after eight rounds of IVF and exhausting every financial resource, we found ourselves at a crossroads.

That’s when Isaac remembered JFLA. Years earlier, during graduate school, he had received a loan from them. He recalled that JFLA offered a loan specifically for infertility treatment. At the time, we were in the middle of a complicated pregnancy—one that finally felt like it would stick. But there were still critical medical procedures ahead, and we didn’t know how we’d afford them.

Then, JFLA stepped in. With their support, we were able to get the care we needed at just the right time. And now, six years later, we are the proud parents of two incredible (miracle) twins.

JFLA didn’t just provide financial assistance; they gave us a bridge to our future—a future filled with laughter, love, and the family we had dreamed of for so long.

To anyone facing infertility and feeling the weight of financial strain, know this: There is help. There is hope.

Abbe and Isaac's success story with JFLA's interest-free loans. See how zero-interest funding helped this couple achieve their dreams.

A Journey of Hope: How JFLA Helped Us Complete Our Family

Abbe and Issac

Ahmad Roman, an Afghan immigrant, sought refuge in the United States following the tumultuous events of August 16, 2021. Evacuated from Afghanistan by the US military with his two sons, Rahman and Uzair, Ahmad faced the heart-wrenching reality of leaving his wife and daughter behind due to the harrowing circumstances in their home country.

Having served the Afghan government in Kabul, Ahmad's decision to flee was driven by a palpable fear of the Taliban, spurred by his professional duties and political beliefs. Settling in Los Angeles as a single parent, Ahmad embarked on the arduous task of raising his children in the absence of his wife, navigating the myriad challenges that came with assuming sole responsibility for their well-being.

Despite tireless efforts to reunite his family, bureaucratic hurdles impeded Ahmad's journey. Undeterred, he turned to alternative avenues for assistance. Through a fortuitous encounter with a colleague, Ahmad learned of the Jewish
Free Loan Association (JFLA) and reached out for support. Moved by his narrative and having funds available, the agency swiftly extended a $10,000 interest-free loan, tailored to his financial needs.

Empowered by this lifeline, Ahmad utilized the loan to facilitate his wife and daughter's travel to the United States, a reunion that materialized on April 25, 2024, after a painstaking wait of over two years. Reflecting on this transformative experience, Ahmad acknowledges the pivotal role played by the JFLA in actualizing the long-awaited reunion with his loved ones.

Ahmad epitomizes resilience, fortitude, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His testimony underscores the profound impact of community support, humanitarian aid, and the invaluable assistance
rendered by organizations such as JFLA in fostering hope and unity amidst challenging circumstances. Ahmad imparts a powerful message of perseverance, solidarity, and the redemptive power of compassion in transcending barriers and
bridging distances. His story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of collective goodwill and underscores the profound impact of initiatives that extend a helping hand to those in need.

Read about Ahmad's journey and how JFLA's zero-interest loans helped him reunite his family.

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Unexpected expenses can't wait. JFLA offers emergency loans up to $15,000 with zero interest and zero interest for LA, Ventura, Orange, and Santa Barbara residents.

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A family united

Ahmad

My name is Amelia, and I'm a second-year student at UC Berkeley. I'm originally from Altadena, California, where my family lost our home in the Eaton Fire this past January. I had been living at home during winter break and witnessed firsthand the devastation as our entire community—friends, neighbors, and familiar places like my old schools—were engulfed by the flames.

I learned about JFLA from a friend who reached out after the fire, knowing that, like so many others, my family would need help and relief after losing everything. The loan I received from JFLA will allow me to continue my education by covering my college tuition and making it possible for me to study abroad this fall in Argentina and Chile, as part of a program called Human Rights and Cultural Memory.

I’m deeply grateful to my family and to organizations like JFLA that step in during moments of crisis to ensure students like me can keep pursuing our goals. This support means the world to me as we begin to rebuild our lives.

See how zero-interest funding helped Amelia achieve her goals without the burden of traditional loan interest.

Loans for full-time, post-secondary education, up to $10,000.

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Rebuilding Through Education: Finding Hope After the Eaton Fire

Amelia

I'm Angeline and before receiving my JFLA loan, I was a full-time nursing student struggling to cover essential expenses. The FAFSA loan limit for city colleges is lower than that for 4-year schools, which added to the financial strain. My student loans and grants mostly went to tuition, books, uniforms and basic living expenses, but they still weren’t enough—especially with rising rent in California. Alongside classes and clinical rotations, which required 12-hour days, I couldn’t maintain a job to supplement my income. Thankfully, a friend introduced me to JFLA, whose loan allowed me to focus on my studies rather than my finances.

With the support of JFLA, I graduated on the Dean’s List and have been a registered nurse for seven years, specializing in cardiac and stroke care. At the peak of COVID-19, I worked on the frontlines, caring for critically ill patients, which strengthened my commitment to quality care. My role has also allowed me to contribute to meaningful changes in patient outcomes through research and teamwork.

Thanks to the JFLA loan, I was able to reach my professional goals without the constant worry of financial stress. I’m deeply grateful for this support, which allowed me to become the nurse I am today and give back to my community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Angelina shares her JFLA loan experience. From uncertainty to success with interest-free, no-fee lending support.

Nursing student graduated without financial strain

Angelina

My name is Ari K., and I am deeply grateful to the administrators and donors of JFLA for the support that made a meaningful difference in my life.

I reached out to JFLA during my final year of graduate school, with a board exam quickly approaching. At the time, I needed assistance to cover tuition, required textbooks, and study materials essential for exam preparation. I had learned about JFLA through members of my local Jewish community in California who had received support themselves, and it was deeply reassuring to know that my community looks after one another in times of need.

As a former foster youth, I faced significant financial barriers. I had limited personal resources, and my family was also unable to provide financial support—challenges that are all too common for foster youth. Research shows that only about 3% of foster youth earn a four-year college degree. I am proud to have graduated not only with a bachelor’s degree, but with a Master of Science and a board-certified credential, placing me in less than 1% of foster youth who achieve a postgraduate education.

This milestone would not have been possible without the generosity of JFLA’s administrators and donors, who believe in access, dignity, and opportunity. Your support did more than help cover expenses—it allowed me to focus on my studies, complete my program, and move forward into my profession with stability and confidence. Thank you for investing in students like me and for helping transform possibility into reality.

With support from JFLA, Ari K., a former foster youth, was able to complete graduate school and earn a board-certified credential despite significant financial barriers. 

From Foster Youth to Board-Certified Professional

Ari K.

JFLA has been an absolute lifeline for me and my children during our darkest days. When we had nowhere else to turn, JFLA stepped in with compassion and support that truly changed our lives. Despite facing numerous obstacles – from homelessness and unemployment to bad credit and domestic violence – JFLA treated us with dignity and understanding. They didn't just see our struggles; they saw our potential.

Thanks in part to the JFLA loan, I was able to secure a restraining order against my abusive husband and find meaningful employment as Director of Operations at Matte Collection. But perhaps most importantly, JFLA made it possible for my eldest daughter, Nalani, to pursue her dreams of higher education. She's now on track to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology this December, while my middle child, Cheryl, is preparing to start her own undergraduate journey this August.

JFLA's financial assistance also supported my son in getting the help he needed for his autism diagnosis. Today, despite life's inevitable challenges, we're all in a much better place, and I owe so much of that to JFLA. Their unwavering belief in us, their willingness to say 'yes' when others said 'no,' has made all the difference.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, JFLA, for being our beacon of hope in our darkest hour. The organization's kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.

How zero-interest funding provided crucial support during a challenging time. Read about Crystal's journey with JFLA's interest-free loans.

Loans for women and children in crisis, up to $15,000.

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A Lifeline of Hope with JFLA

Crystal

Starting a bakery business is as tough as kneading dough.

Dan's vision was to revitalize Bibi's Bakery & Cafe's image. He only had enough money to buy the bakery, but not enough to make the desired changes Bibi's really needed. A friend referred Dan to Jewish Free Loan.

Dan received an interest-free Small Business Loan and was able to paint, add counters and purchase new equipment. With these changes, growing revenue and foot traffic, Dan was able to revamp Bibi's reputation and relationships with the local community.

Today, his business is thriving with 12 employees and with increasing visibility in 

Bibi's Bakery Facebook Page

. Bibi's has been featured in local and national press;

Review

Visit Bibi's Bakery & Cafe

Discover Dan's journey with JFLA's zero-interest loans. See how interest-free business funding helped launch his entrepreneurial dreams without debt burden.

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Interest-free small business loans up to $50,000 from JFLA. Acquire startup funding, purchase equipment, and get working capital for SoCal businesses at JFLA.

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Daniel was a freelance designer and art director with an innovative idea for a new business. He wanted to create a brick and mortar store that was at once a men's boutique, barbershop, gallery, and events space. He also wanted to build a community of artists, creatives, and innovators pushing boundaries with purpose in fashion, art and culture. By using the space as a boutique during the day and as an art gallery event venue on weekends, Daniel is able to attract a large demographic of people to turn his dream into a reality.

Offering haircuts is the bread and butter of the store and gets people in the door: “Beauty has a lot of influence on self-esteem and this business helps me offer that to my customers through personal care. I give a 50% discount to students and I wouldn’t have Saints without the loan for sure.” Using the space in a multi-purpose way is Daniel’s vision. It’s an idea that would not have taken off without an interest-free loan from Jewish Free Loan.

For entrepreneurs, it's the little things that create the vision.

Daniel really wanted to start a one stop shop.

Daniel

, an orthopedic and sports therapy office serving the Manhattan Beach community, has been under the leadership of Denise Chyette for the past 15 years. Like many businesses, The Wellness Bank faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. While deemed an essential healthcare facility, clients were hesitant to come in person, prompting Denise to temporarily close operations for 8 weeks in order to restructure the business and transition to telehealth services. Despite these efforts, expenses continued to mount, with delays in client insurance reimbursements, and ongoing rent and utility bills. Recognizing the need for additional support beyond the government's PPP assistance, Denise turned to JFLA.

In 2020, Denise secured a JFLA small business loan, which proved instrumental in revitalizing The Wellness Bank. With this financial support, Denise was able to negotiate a new lease agreement with her landlord, extending her time in the space while reducing costs. Additionally, she was able to hire a new therapist, a crucial addition as business surged upon full reopening.

Four years later, Denise returned to JFLA to refinance her loan to facilitate a move. With her lease expiring and medical space in Manhattan Beach limited, Denise faced the decision of remodeling an outdated office or relocating to a new building. Fortunately, she found an ideal location, and the loan will cover expenses such as contractor fees, security deposits, and essential upgrades to medical and office equipment.

Thanks to JFLA's support, Denise and her staff have been able to not only sustain but also expand and enhance The Wellness Bank's services, furthering their commitment to serving the community. The partnership between JFLA and Denise reflects a shared dedication to making a positive impact and helping others in need.

Denise, owner of The Wellness Bank in Manhattan Beach, successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of a JFLA small business loan, which enabled her to restructure and sustain her business. 

JFLA supports local business expansion

Denise

Dennis and his wife are survivors of the Eaton Fire in Altadena. Although their home remained standing, it became uninhabitable when the windows shattered, allowing smoke, ash, and toxic materials to permeate the entire house. Forced to evacuate on the morning of January 8th, they were unable to return or retrieve any belongings for more than two weeks.

They had to quickly set up a new apartment, purchasing clothes, kitchen supplies, and furniture from scratch. While searching for support services for fire survivors, Dennis discovered JFLA. The zero-interest loan they received helped ease the financial burden of starting over.

Everyone at JFLA was so nice and very helpful,” Dennis shared. “They made the process very easy.

Now working with an architect and contractor, Dennis and his wife hope to return to their home early next year after completing toxic metal abatement and some remodeling. They are grateful to JFLA for their support during such a difficult time.

After losing access to their home due to smoke and toxin damage, Dennis and his wife turned to JFLA to help start over.

Disaster relief loans from JFLA. Get interest-free emergency funding for fire, flood & natural disaster victims in LA, Ventura, Orange & Santa Barbara counties.

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Rebuilding After the Eaton Fire

Dennis

 ignited Aron's passion for giving back. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the onset of an economic recession, the Jewish Journal highlighted the pressing need for more loans in the Los Angeles area, with JFLA emerging as a vital solution. Recognizing the importance of community support, Aron was deeply moved. As an observant Jew, he understands the importance of aiding others, and the article spurred him into immediate action, inspiring his involvement with JFLA.

In 2002, Aron established the Abecassis Small Business Loan Program, cementing his commitment to assisting entrepreneurs. Shortly thereafter, he joined the board, contributing his expertise and resources. Serving on the loan committee for several years, Aron played an essential role in evaluating clients' needs and ensuring they received the necessary funding. In 2009, he furthered his impact by establishing the Abecassis Student Loan Fund, enabling aspiring students to pursue their educational goals.

Over the years, Aron's contributions have transformed the lives of over 200 individuals, providing necessary funding to fuel business ventures and academic pursuits. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact of JFLA's support on the community, Aron recognizes the pivotal role of donors like himself in enabling JFLA's mission to thrive.

Aron's contributions have impacted over 200 individuals, supporting entrepreneurs and students in pursuing their goals.

Donor - Aron  Abecassis

Dr. Robert Boostanfar's relationship with JFLA began in the 1990s when he was in medical school. To help cover costs for his degree at the school of medicine at USC, Dr. Boostanfar took out an interest-free loan from JFLA. Since medical school, Dr. Boostanfar's medical practice in the field of infertility has become incredibly successful. He has been published in numerous publications, including People and Vogue Magazine and the Journal of the American Medical association and Fertility Sterility, and has made multiple television appearances on shows such as Good Morning America, CNN, KTLA, and
CBS. Additionally, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his remarkable work.

Within the JFLA family, Dr. Boostanfar is most recognized for his relationship with Emily and Alan Feit. As the couple's doctor, Dr. Boostanfar helped make their dream of becoming parents a reality. After the birth of Emily and Alan's twins, the couple felt compelled to give back to others struggling with infertility. Working closely with Dr. Boostanfar, the idea for the Feit4KidZ loan fund was born. Dr. Boostanfar played an instrumental role in developing the fund from the medical professional side. By leveraging the resources of the HRC fertility conglomerate and fertility pharmacies and donating significant time and resources personally, he garnered support and spread awareness about the fund to physicians throughout the area.

Since the creation of the Feit4KidZ loan fund, over 300 families have received financial assistance on their journey to parenthood. JFLA is deeply grateful for Dr. Boostanfar's generous contributions, which have not only benefited the JFLA community but also the broader medical community.

As a pivotal figure in the Feit4KidZ Loan Fund, he helped realize the Feits' dream of parenthood and assisted over 300 families on their journey to becoming parents.

Donor - Dr. Robert Boostanfar

In the late 1980s, Eileen J. Lewis was a banker attending a Federation leadership development program for young professionals, which concluded with an orientation about constituent agencies. JFLA was among the groups participating in a volunteer fair where Eileen learned about JFLA and how to get involved. Eileen's interest was piqued, since her career was focused on commercial lending.  She hoped her skills in lending processes and data analysis would benefit the Agency.

In her 35 years on the Board, Eileen has seen JFLA’s portfolio expand to include larger business loans, infertility treatments, and broader housing programs, including Women and Children in Crisis, and College Students with insecure housing. She is pleased that she has been able to contribute to JFLA’s achieving its high level of financial accountability and transparency. She observed that she has worked along with so many Board members whose diverse careers and outlooks all unite behind JFLA’s goal to assist those whose needs are urgent. They may not qualify through normal financial channels.

Since retirement, Eileen has expanded her volunteer activities to include 826LA’s children’s literacy programs, AARP’s Tax
Preparation Services, and ChaiVillageLA, a synagogue based village for older adults. Since 2018, Eileen has volunteered weekly as a Kitchen Aide at the Downtown Women's Center, which provides 180 meals three times a day to unaccompanied women. She sees firsthand how easy it is for these women to fall off the edge. "The women are generally middle-aged and previously led typical lives - they raised families, went to work, took care of infirm relatives. But the domino effect often catches up with them. If a woman can’t repair her car or get needed medical care, then she may not be able to get to work. Then she can’t pay rent. And then she’s unhoused." Moved and inspired by these women and wanting to honor her parents, Eileen created the 

Robert and Ethel Lewis Emergency Housing Fund

 to help people stabilize their lives. Eileen feels strongly that food and housing are basic human rights and through this loan fund, JFLA can help to repair our local community, one loan at a time.

JFLA is truly grateful for Eileen's years of service, leadership, friendship, and generosity. Through her work and the new loan fund, she will continue to touch many within the JFLA community.

Eileen has been on the JFLA board for 35 years.Her commitment to addressing basic human needs, with the establishment of the Robert and Ethel Lewis Emergency Housing Fund, resonates with JFLA's ethos, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Loans for in-home healthcare needs and caregiver support, up to $15,000.

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 Kopelove Health Care Needs

Donor - Eileen Lewis

You've had a long association with JFLA. Can you share how your journey with JFLA began and what inspired you to take up the role of board president?

I work in the lighting manufacturing industry. I see the need that employees all across the income spectrum have for funds for urgent personal needs, family emergencies, and education for their children. Many of the employees do not have access to funding, and if they do, it is often through predatory payday lenders.  My lifelong friend and JFLA board member, David Horvitz, introduced me to JFLA. Knowing that JFLA had the reach and scale to address the financial needs of the broader community is what attracted me to the agency.

As the board president, what has been your most rewarding experience with JFLA so far?

Seeing our loans outstanding in the community increase by over $6 million in the past 5 years.

What do you believe sets JFLA apart from other nonprofits?

Two features of JFLA’s mission separate it from other non-profits:

We make loans. We do not give handouts. That allows the monetary size of our support to be larger and therefore more impactful to our clients. It also gives them the dignity to know that they are taking an active role in the funding they have received, all while never paying a penny in interest or fees.

The funds are recycled as the loans are paid back. A donation made to a loan fund may circulate to numerous people in the community over 25+ years.

Can you share a success story from JFLA that particularly moved you and reinforced your commitment to its mission?

My company, Justice Design Group, participates in a pilot program with JFLA whereby JFLA makes loans to our employees and my company guarantees the loans. An employee who has been with the company for 30 years needed an emergency loan for medical needs for a family member in El Salvador. He was gravely concerned for his family member; he needed the money urgently and had nowhere else to turn.  JFLA was able to approve his loan that same day and fund it the following day. Seeing a grown man cry in my office with tears of appreciation reaffirmed for me the incredible work that JFLA does.

Looking ahead, what are some initiatives or strategies that you are excited about implementing for JFLA?

The JFLA staff and board are looking into ways to make our loan qualifications more flexible so that we can help an even wider part of the community. AI will be an important part of this initiative.

What's one word that best describes JFLA's impact on the community?

What's one surprising fact about JFLA that most people don't know?

That we exist. While our reach and impact has grown significantly in recent years, I still often hear from people who could be borrowers or donors that they did not know that JFLA, or even the concept of interest-free loans, existed.

What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t have a good day. Make it a good day.

Play tennis, take walks with my wife, and watch crime documentaries.

If you could enjoy a meal with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I love traveling. I’d love to sit down with Neil Armstrong over a plate of rehydrated scrambled eggs to find out what a trip to the moon was like. I travel a lot but probably won’t make it to the moon due to my busy schedule.

Finally, for a bit of fun - if you could have any superpower to help you in your role as board president, what would it be and why?

I would be Captain Awareness. My superpower would be to get everyone in our community to know about JFLA’s incredible services at the snap of my fingers.

An insightful and fun Q&A with JFLA Board President as reflects on his involvement and looks towards the future.

An insightful and fun Q&A with JFLA Board President

Donor Story - Brandon Levin

I joined JFLA back in 2015. The mission of offering a helping hand, not a handout, resonated with me, and I especially liked that the donations were recycled, not consumed. I have been a practicing Certified Financial Planner for nearly 20 years, so it’s in my nature to advocate for financial health. However, for the first ten years of my professional life, I was an elementary school teacher, primarily teaching math to fifth and sixth graders in Los Angeles. I seeded the Horvitz Teachers’ Loan Fund to honor the teaching professionals from my previous career. Despite their crucial role as educators of the next generation, teachers are often underpaid and overburdened by financial stress. It is my hope that the Teachers’ Loan Fund will help alleviate some of their financial challenges so they can continue their vital work with greater peace of mind.

To honor the teaching professionals from my previous career, David Horvitz created this loan fund. Despite their crucial role as educators of the next generation, teachers are often underpaid and overburdened by financial stress.

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JFLA supports K-12 teachers with zero interest loans for classroom supplies, professional development, and personal expenses. No guarantor required for some loans.

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A previous teacher helping other teachers.

Donor Story - David Horvitz

Jeff has been part of the JFLA family even before he came to this country! In 1960, after his uncle completed his army service, he immigrated to the U.S. from Israel. Upon arriving in California, he got a job making window screens, and within a few months, he became the supervisor of the company. Shortly after his promotion and continued success, his uncle branched out and started his own screen-making company. A year or so later, Jeff’s uncle opened Tashman Screens (later becoming Tashman Screens and Hardware). Jeff’s grandfather left Israel to help get the business off the ground. It was also at this time that his uncle received a loan from JFLA to get startup capital for the store.

When becoming a hardware store, they couldn’t afford nice display racks and windows, so the Tashman men got creative and used bricks and wooden planks to display the merchandise. With the immigrant mentality – use what you have,
be creative – they were able to wisely use the JFLA loan to make improvements.

For 62 continuous years, Tashman’s has been open on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, providing services to thousands in the community and hundreds of jobs. Today, 

 as the store is now known, is run by Jeff’s cousin, Kenny.  Income from that store put generations of Tashmans and Feuers through school, including medical, law, and business schools. It is a testament to how a JFLA loan can impact direct descendants for generations.

Also, knowing that the loan was repaid, and that money is still out in the community helping other small businesses is what compels Jeff to give back to JFLA year after year. The money is returned and reused, helping others for generations to come.

Jeff’s mother also left Israel years later after her father and brother had already established the shop. She was a single mother immigrant with three children to support. The tight family grew up in a one-bedroom apartment filled with love, laughter, and lots of hard work. Jeff’s mother went to school to learn a trade to provide for the family. However, she needed a car to get to work and couldn’t afford one. The family turned to JFLA for a loan and began their own success story. Jeff still recalls being a youngster practicing spelling words in the back of the car on the way to school.

Jeff’s personal history with JFLA isn’t the only reason he and his wife, Orli, support the work. It’s the whole idea of the organization and how it operates that motivates his generosity. With most non-profit organizations, people donate clothes or money or spend time training or working with clients – it’s a one-time benefit. Helping a few, and then the work starts
over – more donations. At JFLA, the money is recycled. If someone gives $100 to JFLA, in 20 years that $100 is helping someone new – it’s a recurring benefit. Donating for generations to come, who may not even be born or living in this
country yet!

A generation ago, JFLA supported the Feuer/Tashman families and for decades, Jeff Feuer has been giving back to help other immigrants and small business flourish. 

Helping future generations by donating to JFLA

Donor Story - Jeff Feuer

Martin Koss, a pioneer and visionary in the Los Angeles restaurant business, has been celebrated for his achievements and generosity. Yet, his journey from humble beginnings to monumental success is a tale of resilience and compassion that deserves recognition.

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Martin faced adversity early in life with the untimely loss of his father when he was just ten years old. Left to navigate life’s challenges alongside his mother and siblings, he embraced a tenacious entrepreneurial spirit to make ends meet.

Despite the hardships, Martin’s commitment to family never wavered. Working his way through UCLA, he balanced his studies with the responsibilities of running his own soda pop route, ensuring both his education and his family’s well-being.

Upon graduating with an accounting degree, Martin realized his true calling was in entrepreneurship.

In 1947, after establishing his own real estate brokerage company and opening a laundromat, he exemplified the epitome of determination and innovation. With a desire to start a restaurant, Martin received a zero interest, zero-fee loan from Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA).

By 1949, Martin turned his aspirations into reality, founding the iconic Piece O’ Pizza chain with the first location near Pico and La Brea. This location featured a take-out window which was revolutionary at the time.

In 1951, the second Piece O’ Pizza opened on Beverly near Fairfax, and 15 other locations followed.

While Martin’s professional success was undeniable, his legacy extends far beyond business achievements. Throughout his life, he remained committed to giving back and recognized the importance of supporting others. His philanthropic endeavors, including generous contributions to JFLA, exemplified his unwavering dedication to helping fellow small businesses thrive.

Martin passed away in 2023 at 101 years young and his spirit of generosity lives on through his son, Michael Koss, who continues to champion JFLA’s mission.

For over two decades, Michael has honored his father’s legacy by supporting the organization that played a pivotal role in their family’s success. Through their ongoing commitment to JFLA, the Koss family ensures that the legacy of generosity continues to uplift and empower future generations.

Martin’s and Michael’s generational giving illustrates the ripple effect of support and generosity that extends far beyond individual lifetimes, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

For generations, the Koss family has been inspired by and supporting JFLA.

From humble beginnings to monumental success.

Donor Story - Martin and Michael Koss

Maurice Amado established the foundation that bears his name in 1961. Maurice Amado was a descendant of Sephardic Jews who settled in the Ottoman Empire after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. He immigrated to New York from Izmir, Turkey around 1903 and moved to Los Angeles in 1940.

Maurice Amado and his brother Raphael worked in the tobacco trade business at a time when incorporating Turkish tobacco into American cigarettes was becoming popular. With the proceeds from his profits in this business, Maurice became a successful financier and investor.  He was married to Rose Bernstein who founded a high-end dress business in New York City under the brand name Pattullo Modes. While Rose had a son from a previous marriage, she and Maurice never had children.

Maurice Amado deeply valued education and made great efforts to become extremely well cultured for his time. He taught himself English by attending lectures and speeches in New York City and by studying newspaper articles. He read a
great deal, mainly philosophy, and kept a large library in his home. He was also an excellent conversationalist.

Maurice was extremely close to his brother Raphael Amado, who had five children. Remarkably for the times (1910s – 1930s), all of Raphael’s children – including the three girls --  went on to study at universities; the two boys studied law and became attorneys, and two of the three girls graduated from UCLA’s then-new Westwood campus. These children were
very close to their uncle Maurice, who had been extremely involved in their life as young immigrants in Brooklyn and had even accompanied their mother and the oldest two children (born in Turkey) during their journey to immigrate to America. The descendants of Maurice’s five nieces and nephews continue to serve on the Maurice Amado Foundation Board of Directors.

In addition to establishing the Foundation, Maurice granted funds to Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel in Los Angeles, a place which had welcomed his extended family and an institution that his brother Raphael had helped to build and grow, to create a scholarship fund for the children of Temple members. 

In 2009, looking to expand reach and make educational opportunities accessible to a broader range of people beyond the Sephardic Temple, members of the Maurice Amado Foundation determined JFLA was the right place to establish a student
loan fund.

Holding similar attitudes toward learning as Maurice and Raphael Amado did generations before them, the current members of the Maurice Amado Foundation continue to believe strongly that education provides people with the tools they need to improve their lives. As much as education helped Maurice achieve the success that he did, so do we hope it will help future generations build their own lives and communities.

Deeply valuing education, Maurice Amado's  legacy of learning continues through the Foundation's funds supporting educational initiatives. 

An immigrant's journey to success and supporting others

Donor Story - Maurice Amado

From the depths of adversity, a passion was born. My brother, once confined to his bed by a mysterious illness (later identified as one of California’s earliest cases of Lyme disease), found solace in the vibrant world of aquariums. The mesmerizing dance of marine life became his window to the world, sparking a shared fascination between us for saltwater
ecosystems and their delicate balance.

This passion led us to establish a business dedicated to building and maintaining saltwater aquariums. We even ventured into retail, opening a store to share our love for marine life with the community. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, particularly financial constraints that hindered our growth.

Enter JFLA. Their generous loan enabled us to expand our inventory, attract a broader clientele, and enhance our store’s appeal. This support not only strengthened our finances but also instilled a newfound confidence in our venture.

As our business flourished, we realized its true strength lay in the community it fostered. Customers, partners, vendors, staff, and family were all united by a common bond. This sense of togetherness became the cornerstone of our success.

Inspired by his brother’s Lyme disease battle, Skyler Sutton turned his passion for aquariums into a thriving business. With JFLA’s support, he expanded, overcame challenges, and now helps fellow entrepreneurs.

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Client and Donor Stories

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