A Bittersweet Return

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Zhanna Veyts

Read how JDC is helping to support some of the world’s poorest Jews, as staff member Zhanna Veyts takes you along on a home visit in Kiev, Ukraine.

Rosh Hashanah in Ukraine: A Personal Reflection

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Zhanna Veyts

Returning to Ukraine 24 years after immigrating to the United States, JDC staff member Zhanna Veyts saw this year’s Rosh Hashanah celebration in Kiev through her father’s eyes—and her own.

“Being Jewish is a Party”: Celebrating 5773 in the Streets of Buenos Aires

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Read how JDC brought the Jewish New Year to life in Buenos Aires with its latest edition of Urban Rosh Hashanah, a street festival that draws tens of thousands of people of all ages for a fun-filled exploration of Jewish holiday customs.

An Inspirational Tale for the New Year

photo: Sarah Levin Click to enlarge.

In the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, see how I. L. Peretz’ classic tale of the rabbi of Nemirov’s charitable deeds in 19th century Ukraine inspires JDC’s efforts to bring help and hope today to some of the world’s poorest Jews. And please accept our best wishes for a sweet, meaningful, and productive 5773. Shanah tova u’metuka!

Bringing a Sweeter New Year to Needy Jewish Children in Belarus

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To combat ongoing economic hardship in Belarus, over 4,200 at-risk Jewish children and their families received essential support from us last year. See how Rosh Hashanah activities, portrayed in this slideshow, helped strengthen these children’s ties to the Jewish community—and let their families enjoy a sweeter New Year.

JDC Entwine Young Professionals Go Inside Jewish Cuba

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Rather than spending the Labor Day weekend at a local beach, JDC Entwine young professionals opted instead for a unique opportunity to gain an insiders’ view of Jewish Cuba. Read how their five-day trip gave the participants exclusive insight into the incredible rebirth of Jewish life that JDC helped facilitate in this island nation.

Helping Jews in Ukraine Find their Economic Footing

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With labor statistics dominating the U.S. headlines at the close of every month, and unemployment a critical issue for many overseas Jewish communities, see what JDC and its partners are doing to help Jews in Ukraine overcome the dearth of local employment opportunities, especially in smaller, peripheral areas.

JDC Helps Bring Israeli Eye Care Expertise to Kyrgyzstan

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Recently JDC, together with the Israeli Foreign Ministry's MASHAV Foreign Assistance program, co-sponsored a medical humanitarian mission to Kyrgyzstan organized by Eye from Zion, a volunteer-based Israeli medical organization that provides surgery and training in ophthalmology to the developing world. Sam Amiel, a senior JDC staffer who accompanied this mission, captures the importance of Eye from Zion’s work in his field report.

Combatting Childhood Obesity and Promoting Healthful Nutrition in Israel

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Nearly every day brings a story about the prevalence of childhood obesity, here in the States and in much of the developed world. Read how JDC is helping Israel combat this epidemic and promote healthful living habits, especially among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

New Schools and Water Wells are Making Life Better in Gondar, Ethiopia

photo: Richard Lord Click to enlarge.

Manlio Dell’Ariccia

With children here about to head back to school, see how life has been changing for schoolchildren in Ethiopia’s Gondar region and for other villagers who are benefiting from JDC’s rural development projects.

Young Indian Jews Train as Social Entrepreneurs at Szarvas

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The Summer Olympics in London may be over, but Team India is just getting started. Meet five young Jewish adults from India whom JDC is equipping to be social entrepreneurs to engage more of their peers in Jewish community life.

Jews in Córdoba, Argentina Help the Needy Deal with Winter’s Cold

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As winter weather prevails in much of the Southern Hemisphere, a blanket-making project supported by the local Jewish community in Córdoba, Argentina is helping to keep needy neighbors warm.

Jews in Morocco Donate Blood During Ramadan

photo: Chrystie Sherman Click to enlarge.

Jews in Morocco respond to a call for blood donors during the month of Ramadan, helping to ensure an adequate national blood supply at a time when their fasting Muslim neighbors cannot contribute.

Promoting Women’s Health in the Balkans

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Proceeds from the upcoming JDC-Komen Race for the Cure in Sarajevo will provide free mammograms to underserved women and post-surgery health kits. Read how JDC Ambassadors will take part in the late September Race, and see how JDC’s Women’s Health Empowerment Program is turning the tables on breast cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Israeli Trauma Counseling Comforts Japanese Kids

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Read about the latest visit to Japan by Israeli experts who, with JDC’s help, have brought their trauma counseling techniques to children and families displaced by the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis.

Hip Hop in Moldova as Next Gen’rs Create their Own Jewish Space

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Flo Low

Even as half of Moldova’s Jews are suffering significant economic hardship, JDC staffer Flo Low’s three-part field account shows how JDC and its partners are aiding the community, and ensuring Jewish life can thrive in Kishinev and beyond.

Building a Jewish Home in Moldova

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Flo Low

Even as half of Moldova’s Jews are suffering significant economic hardship, JDC staffer Flo Low’s three-part field account shows how JDC and its partners are aiding the community, and ensuring Jewish life can thrive in Kishinev and beyond.

A Home Visit in Kishinev, Moldova

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Flo Low

Even as half of Moldova’s Jews are suffering significant economic hardship, JDC staffer Flo Low’s three-part field account shows how JDC and its partners are aiding the community, and ensuring Jewish life can thrive in Kishinev and beyond.

Don't Cry in Haiti: Part 3

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Vered Schimmel-Lifschitz

“It is hard to describe the scenes of desolation we encountered…” Read Vered Schimmel-Lifschitz's eyewitness report from Haiti and the on-the-ground recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Don't Cry in Haiti: Part 2

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Vered Schimmel-Lifschitz

“It is hard to describe the scenes of desolation we encountered…” Read Vered Schimmel-Lifschitz's eyewitness report from Haiti and the on-the-ground recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake.