JDC Voices Blog
Bulgaria: Small Jewish Community, Big Impact
I can't say I've ever spent much time thinking about Jewish Bulgaria, past or present. But if I had, I probably would have made the following assumptions based on what I thought I knew about Eastern Europe: (1) Bulgarian Jews were Ashkenazi; (2) they were shomer Shabbos (Shabbat-observant); (3) Their community was decimated by the Nazis, with plenty of assistance from local anti-Semites; (4) Those few who survived immediately set about rebuilding their cultural and religious Jewish lives.
When Deadly Cold Sets in, JDC’s Winter Relief Warms the Most Vulnerable
As this week saw an unprecedented cold snap for people in Europe and the former Soviet Union (FSU) resulting in the deaths of more than 60, JDC's Winter Relief program was well underway. Now in its 25th year, the critical aid program ensures that thousands of poor Jews, including homebound elderly -- without the resources or ability to secure appropriate supplies -- get the critical support they need to survive frigid temperatures in places with little local support to help them.
When Deadly Cold Sets in, JDC’s Winter Relief Warms the Most Vulnerable
As this week saw an unprecedented cold snap for people in Europe and the former Soviet Union (FSU) resulting in the deaths of more than 60, JDC's Winter Relief program was well underway.
AJT Conference Showcases Surging Jewish Teen Life in FSU
Today's teens often spend their time navigating the world of adulthood, learning about the world, and themselves, through fast-paced information channels, and ultimately establishing their own unique identity. To support this journey on a global scale, JDC has prioritized supporting Jewish teen life around the world, largely through our global partnership with BBYO, the largest Jewish pluralistic teen movement.
Q&A with JDC CEO David Schizer
The mission is 102 years old, but it’s very simple to describe: We save Jewish lives and we build Jewish life. In so many places in the world, Jewish people are living in really difficult conditions. I’ve been to Ukraine, and I’ve met elderly people who live on pensions that are $2 a day, because the currency in Ukraine has declined so much in the last few years. These people depend on us to live meaningful lives, to be able to function. We also are so committed to the idea of helping Jewish communities become better organized, so they can provide for themselves.
Act Now: Jewish Response for Aleppo Evacuees
As the world is focused on the plight of those being evacuated from the besieged city of Aleppo, the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR), chaired by JDC, has swiftly moved to meet the needs of these beleaguered civilians.
JDC FSU and Israel Departments Team Up to Promote Volunteerism
You might think JDC's Former Soviet Union (FSU) department would have little in common with Ashalim, our partnership with the Government of Israel to address children and youth at risk.
Experiencing the Flavor of Jewish Life with JDC
Different foods tell a myriad of stories through their ingredients and spices, bringing together Jewish people from around the world for generations through the joyful process of cooking and the shared eating of these dishes.
Carrying Ralph Goldman’s Legacy Forward
Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson and Israel Supreme Court Deputy President Eliyakim Rubinstein were among the distinguished guests today at the opening of the Ralph I. Goldman Center for Social Welfare, Ethics, and Judaism at the university's Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, where Prof. Yedidiya Stern presented the opening lecture.
Fires in Israel Draw JDC Response
As raging fires in Israel caused scores of injuries and widespread fear, the evacuation of more than 70,000, and the destruction of hundreds of homes and businesses, JDC mobilized its Israel emergency response system and wide-ranging network of government of Israel, local municipality, and NGO partners to assess needs and ensure the most vulnerable Israelis aided by JDC are safe and cared.We remain proud of Israel's stalwart response to this crisis, the aid offered by neighbors and other nations to fight the fires, and especially the outpouring of support by everyday Israelis for their fellow citizens facing so much loss. Included among those offering such help were Lev Echad - the leading national Israeli NGO providing volunteers that JDC has long supported - which deployed 100 volunteers in Haifa and a group of Arab and Jewish mayors from JDC's Mayor's Forum and from the Beit Ha'Kerem region in Israel's north who rallied to host evacuated families, organize volunteers, and ensure various kinds of assistance.Reaffirming our support for those most in need in of critical services in times of crisis, we also activated our 'Center for Independent Living' online platform for people with disabilities to receive real-time help around the clock. This web-based interactive portal of Israel Unlimited - the JDC partnership with the government of Israel and the Ruderman Family Foundation -- is providing services, including support to calm concerns, and emergency information, for people with every kind of disability.
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