From the CEO: Responding to Challenges and Opportunities in Bulgaria and Hungary

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Read CEO Alan Gill’s report on his recent visit with the Jewish communities in Sofia and Budapest, where JDC is helping to respond to changing conditions and escalating needs.

Passover is a Holiday Favorite at JDC’s Baby Help Center in Buenos Aires

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Read how JDC’s Baby Help Program in Argentina makes Passover a holiday to remember for needy Jewish children and their families.

Rediscovering Jewish Roots in Kazakhstan

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Dov Ben-Shimon

In the far-off city of Almaty in Kazakhstan, learn how a family is reconnecting to its Jewish heritage.

For Cuba’s Jews, Saying “I Do” Under a Chuppah

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Every wedding is unique—but capturing dozens of Cuban Jews under a chuppah (wedding canopy) in Havana is a sight to see. Read how a Latin American rabbi, who's made some 115 visits to Cuba’s Jewish community on JDC's behalf, officiated at more than two dozen Jewish weddings, 21 of which were held on the same day.

New Early Childhood Centers Give At-Risk Israeli Youngsters a Firmer Start in Life

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With President Obama stressing the importance of early learning in his State of the Union Address, especially “for poor kids who need help the most,” read what JDC is doing for youngsters like "Danny" at its new Early Childhood Center in Jerusalem's Kiryat Menachem neighborhood.

Soups On! JCC Cook-off Mixes Hot Soup and Warm Fellowship in Wintry Romania

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Read how JDC’s popular soup-making contest brought 350 people of all ages together at the Bucharest Jewish Community Center on a wintry Sunday in Romania.

Argentina Revisited, with Loving Care

photo: Alejandro Cantor Click to enlarge.

by Zhanna Veyts

Read how JDC programs like Baby Help in Argentina continue to aid at-risk, impoverished Jewish children whose families are unable to secure a firm economic footing in that nation’s troubled economy.

Early Reading Programs Give Young Children a Head Start in Israel and the U.S.

photo: Debbi Cooper Click to enlarge.

Programs that encourage families at the lower end of the economic scale to read aloud to their young children are proving effective both in Israel and in New York, giving youngsters a head start as they enter primary school.

Moving Forward in the Former Soviet Union

photo: Jay Nubile Click to enlarge.

On the 25th anniversary of the leadership mission that led to JDC's return to the Soviet Union after an absence of 50 years, JDC's Executive Director of Former Soviet Union Programs describes the challenges facing JDC in that region today.

Berlin to Experience Famous NYC Family Shabbat Program

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In Berlin, Germany this weekend, JDC is giving young Jewish children and their parents a chance to experience a unique and renowned family Shabbat program “imported” from New York’s 92nd Street Y.

In Israel’s Southern Border Region: JDC’s Work Continues

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Read how one JDC staff member in Israel is helping people in the southern border region cope with the ongoing effects of last month’s crisis, even as she deals with the lingering impact on her own family.

Standing with the Jewish Community in Bulgaria

photo: Nicolas Dyzsel Click to enlarge.

Read how JDC is helping the Jewish community in Bulgaria join with others to combat hatred, even as it works to strengthen and enrich local Jewish life.

Working Together to Help a Family in Need in Ukraine

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Dov Ben-Shimon

Meet the people behind JDC’s programs as staff member Dov Ben-Shimon takes you on a home visit to one of thousands of needy children and families benefiting today from the critical assistance made possible by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews/JDC Partnership for Children in the Former Soviet Union.

“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.

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.

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.

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.