Throughout modern history, Jewish communal organizations have served as a bulwark against centuries of anti-Semitism, providing generations of Jews with education, healthcare, welfare, and other vital services.

The 20^th century spawned horrific events – World War I, the Holocaust, the rise of Communism, and the dawning of radical Islamic movements – that have challenged and, tragically, destroyed Jewish communal life in many countries around the world.

JDC is rebuilding Jewish communal life in the former Communist countries, strengthening weakened communities in Africa, the Americas, and Asia, and enhancing Israel’s social services through a broad spectrum of programs.

We recruit and train local community builders, including:

• Lay leaders
• Jewish communal and welfare professionals
• Educators
• Volunteers
• Student activists
• Israeli social service administrators, managers and professionals.

We help them create

• Jewish community centers
• Hesed welfare centers
• Employment and business development centers
• Health care programs for the elderly
• Services for children and youth at risk
• Empowerment programs for vulnerable communities
• Clubs, and other organizations.

We establish and provide technical assistance to national and international forums for training and support such as Leatid in Europe and the Americas. We enhance social services through training, development and applied social research in Israel. And we build bridges with other organizations such as UJC/ Federations in the U.S. and Canada.

Learn how JDC is empowering Jewish communities around the world, so they may become vibrant and caring centers of Jewish life.