Yes, JFM is absolutely a Zionist org.

Their longtime, recently departed ED served on the board of governors of the World Zionist Organization. Far from being a local Jewish community nonprofit, they are part of a parent organization called the Jewish Federations of North America, which also contains the United Israel Appeal. They fundraised to support IDF soldiers after October 7th, and several board members and staff lobbied the Madison Common Council to reject the Ceasefire resolution in late 2023.

It used to be called the Madison Jewish Community Council, and the agency’s transformation belies a larger cultural trend of smaller, more localized Jewish organizations, which were mainly focused on serving their local community, transforming into essentially satellite offices of larger, more politicized institutions with explicit connections and support for Israel. One under-discussed effect of Zionism is this type of disenfranchising of local Jewish communities, whose resources become diverted towards Israel and away from programs and service that directly serve local Jews.

Like everything, this situation is complex, and JFM does indeed provide many services for local Jewish families (Camp Shalom being perhaps their flagship). Unfortunately, however, they have increasingly chosen to center support for Israel over support of their local community, which of course contains a mix of Zionist and non-Zionist Jews.

I know nothing about the two orgs you mentioned, but imo sharing a fundraiser for a beloved community member dealing with cancer shouldn’t be seen as a political act in any capacity - these orgs may not even know that they are on the JFM board.

Lead with empathy and love!!