The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship (RIG) in
International Jewish Service
In 1987, JDC established the prestigious Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship in International Jewish Service in honor of Ralph I. Goldman, JDC’s honorary executive vice president, whose extraordinary commitment to Jewish public service spans more than five decades in the United States and Israel.
An activist and leader in Jewish affairs all his life, Ralph I. Goldman is the heart and soul of JDC. Both Ralph and the ‘Joint’ were born in 1914 – Ralph in Ukraine and the ‘Joint’ in New York City. Ralph has dedicated his life to the Jewish people, first by assisting David Ben Gurion during the founding of Israel, then serving as Executive Vice President of JDC during the 1970s and 1980s, where he established JDC’s critical role in Israel and brought vital assistance to Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Ralph Goldman is a pivotal figure in global Jewish life and continues to inspire people all over the world.
The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship is awarded to one person annually and is a one-of a-kind, paid, professional development opportunity to live and work in overseas locations where JDC is active, and engage with the inner workings of the world's largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization. The Fellowship will have a transformational impact on international Jewish life and the fellow's understanding of complex global Jewish issues.
The Fellowship is unique from year to year, as each fellow works with JDC staff to identify and design their placements. These placements are also shaped by timely and critical situations identified by JDC and in consideration of the special qualifications of the individual fellow.
JDC is looking for the best young Jewish thinkers and doers -- writers, artists, policy shapers, business innovators, and community builders -- there is no single profile that fits. We are looking for leaders in their field who have the promise to influence the future of Jewish life and the world.
Program Details:
JDC covers international travel expenses and provides a generous fellowship stipend and health insurance package.
The fellowship begins in September 2010 with an orientation period at JDC’s headquarters in New York. During this time an individualized overseas assignment for the fellow is designed. Typically, a fellow will have two different assignments over the course of the year.
The fellowship ends in New York in September 2011.
Candidates should have the following credentials: Master’s degree or equivalent and proven academic excellence
Professional achievement in the candidate’s chosen career
Demonstrated exceptional leadership and communication skills
Strong interest in international Jewish affairs and public service
Knowledge of foreign language(s) is a plus but not a requirement
Formal and/or informal Jewish education is a plus but not a requirement
Application Process:To apply, submit a
letter of intent no later than
December 30, 2009. Include in your letter:
Details of educational and professional achievement
Reasons for interest in this fellowship
Future plans and goals
Examples of leadership qualities, interesting skills, and unique abilities
E-MAIL YOUR LETTER OF INTENT TO GLOBALSERVICE@JDC.ORG.
Based on your letter, we will send you an application that requires four letters of recommendation and biographical information. The complete application is due by January 15, 2010.
Finalists are required to participate in personal interviews at JDC’s expense. Final award will be announced in March 2010 for the Fellowship beginning in September 2010.
For more information please contact GLOBALSERVICE@JDC.ORG.
Meet Alumni of the Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship
Joy Sisisky
Ralph I. Goldman Fellow 2007 - 2008
JDC Project(s): Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine & Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Dasee Berkowitz
Ralph I. Goldman Fellow 2002 - 2003
JDC Project(s): Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Ukraine
Shai Franklin
Ralph I. Goldman Fellow: 1991-1992
JDC Project(s) Mumbai, India; Moscow, Russia