Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS

Background

Established in November 1998, the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS was formed to revive Jewish life following decades of repression by Soviet Communist authorities. Functioning as an administrative and financial umbrella for Chabad-Lubavitch operations, its leadership is almost entirely Chabad-affiliated, including Berel Lazar, the group’s Chief Rabbi. ^{1  2  3} The FJC represents over 450 member communities across 15 countries and 10 time zones, providing humanitarian aid, education, and religious services, while rebuilding institutions destroyed during the Soviet era. ^{4  1}

In 25 years, the FJC has expanded its reach to 90 major cities and 290 smaller towns, posting over 90 rabbis and countless leaders to manage 120 institutions, including schools and orphanages. Its main bureau represents community interests in international and government forums while maintaining interfaith relations. ^{1  4}

The organization maintains significant financial ties to Silicon Valley donors. Jan Koum, co-founder of WhatsApp, is a primary benefactor through his Koum Family Foundation and K18n Foundation, contributing over $10.6 million. Koum also utilizes the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) to facilitate major grants, such as a 2024 allocation of $6.5 million for educational initiatives. These partnerships support Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries and regional centers, positioning the FJC as a central hub for global Jewish philanthropy in Eastern Europe. ^{5  6  7  8}

Financials

The Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS reported total revenues of $50,808,389 for the 2024 fiscal year. Contributions accounted for $48,836,032, or 96.1 percent of total revenue. Other revenue sources included investment income of $1,663,172, representing 3.3 percent, and sales of assets totaling $309,185. ⁹

Total expenses for the period reached $58,133,700, resulting in a net loss of $7,325,311. Net assets at the end of the year totaled $62,716,061, with the organization reporting zero total liabilities. Other salaries and wages amounted to $585,232. ⁹

In 2023, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews reported a grant of $15,869,348 to the FJC. ¹⁰

In 2023, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which often facilitates grants to Jewish causes from the K18n Foundation, reported a grant of $6,500,000 to the FJC. ¹¹

In 2024, the Koum Family Foundation, which is closely associated with the K18n Foundation, reported three grants of $350,000, $1,000,000, and $1,350,000 designated for Kedem, the Kharkov Jewish Community, and Chabad Odessa, respectively; all three groups are member communities of the FJC. ^{12  13  14  15}

People

As of February 2026, David Mondshine serves as the executive director and treasurer of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS. Mondshine is a rabbi affiliated with Chabad-Lubavitch networks and previously directed the Ohr Avner Foundation, which funds Jewish education and programs in the former Soviet Union. He has coordinated FJC activities during regional crises and participated in recent events such as the 2024 FJC Forum in Jerusalem. He is the son of the late Chabad scholar Rabbi Yehoshua Mondshine. ^{16  17}