This Shavuot, Learn what Compassion Means to a Frail Elderly Woman in Russia

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Read how the Book of Ruth’s story of kindness and compassion for the elderly is echoed today in the work carried out throughout the former Soviet Union by the Hesed welfare centers that JDC helps to support.

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.

Poland: The 70th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

photo: Rebecca Neuwirth Click to enlarge.

Read JDC senior professional Rebecca Neuwirth’s thoughts on the events surrounding the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which took place in Warsaw, Poland last week.

Saving Memories; Preserving the Quality of Life

photo: Sarah Levin Click to enlarge.

Flo Low

Read how JDC’s Margery Kohrman Saving Memory program in the former Soviet Union is helping to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s disease sufferers while changing attitudes and social perceptions.

Celebrating Israel’s 65th Anniversary in Romania

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On Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, read how Jews in Romania have joined Jewish communities around the world in celebrating Israel’s 65th anniversary.

"Destination Shanghai" Creates a Jewish Buzz in China

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Simon Caplan

JDC senior professional Simon Caplan captures the highlights and explains the long-range strategy behind “Destination Shanghai,” the four-day international Jewish learning and networking experience that generated much excitement this week in China’s main commercial metropolis.

From the CEO: Nurturing Young Jewish Leaders in the Former Soviet Union

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Read CEO Alan H. Gill’s thoughts on his recent encounter with visiting young Jewish leaders from St. Petersburg, Russia, and JDC’s role in helping to produce a new generation of communal leadership in the former Soviet Union.

"Urban Pesaj" Fills Streets of Buenos Aires

photo: JDC/Heather Morgan Click to enlarge.

Thousands took to the streets of a trendy Buenos Aires neighborhood for "Pesaj Urbano" -- a favorite activity of JDC's YOK initiative, which engages people of all ages and backgrounds with Jewish culture outside traditional walls.

Celebrating Passover with a Tunisian Twist

photo: Hannah Starman Click to enlarge.

Read how Jews in Tunisia add their own special flavor to Passover, reflecting a lively mix of cultural and religious traditions in this small but vital Jewish community.

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.

Jewish Volunteers Engage in a “Week of Good Deeds” in Donetsk, Ukraine

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Read how Jewish community volunteers have been promoting social engagement and help for one’s neighbors during “The Week of Good Deeds” in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Taking Adult Jewish Education to the Next Level in Romania

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Read how JDC gave 400 Romanian Jews an opportunity to deepen their Jewish knowledge last week at its Bereshit Jewish Community University in Cluj.

Restoring Dignity to An Elderly Teacher in Kazakhstan

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Dov Ben-Shimon

In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), read how JDC is helping a lonely, impoverished 85-year-old woman in Kazakhstan maintain the dignity she worked so hard to achieve.

Advancing Female Changemakers at JDC’s 2nd Int'l Women’s Leadership Workshop

photo: Ofir Ben Natan Click to enlarge.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day (March 8), read how JDC’s International Women's Leadership Workshop in Israel is giving dynamic leaders from 13 countries an opportunity to gain new tools and inspiration for their changemaking work.

From the CEO: JDC's New Employment Opportunities for Israel's Ultra-Orthodox

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Alan Gill leads off his new "From the CEO" briefing series with a report from Israel on JDC employment programs for the ultra-Orthodox community that are paying off at Coca Cola/Israel.

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.

Leadership Building Opportunities in the Nonprofit World

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Read a thoughtful exploration of leadership building and the lay-professional dynamic in community organizations by JDC Board member Steven Price and JDC senior professional Laura Spitzer—lifelong friends, colleagues, and fellow Wexner Heritage alumni.

Praise for JDC and New CEO Alan Gill Highlights Jerusalem Reception

photo: Ofir Ben Natan Click to enlarge.

Read how US Ambassador Dan Shapiro and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat coupled words of praise for JDC and our new CEO, Alan Gill, at a reception in his honor in Israel.