“Our only way out is to learn compassion without cause.
To care for each other simply because that 'other' exists.”
 (Rabbi Menachem Mendel)

JDC is the “911” of the Jewish world—acting to alleviate suffering for Jewish communities that are threatened or in distress, and to provide humanitarian aid that makes the world a better place for all citizens.

Employment Center in Latvia Saves Struggling Family
When Oleg’s long-time employer went bankrupt and laid him off, his family spiraled below the poverty line for the first time since communism’s collapse.  Learn how JDC’s Ariel Job Center got Oleg back on his feet

Reflections from JDC Youth Volunteer Coordinator in the Fire Zone
Tomer Ilan, age 24, is the coordinator of JDC’s AMEN youth volunteer program in his hometown of Haifa, where he also volunteers....Read Tomer’s first‒hand account.

JDC Helps Haitian Teenager Rise above the Rubble
Jennifer A., a 16-year-old Haitian girl with nine siblings, recently took her first steps—for the second time. On January 12th while Jennifer was studying French literature, the walls of her classroom shook until they collapsed....Read more about Jennifer's recovery after the Haiti earthquake

Hope amidst Financial Distress in Baltics
“Each day is a struggle, but we are a happy family,” says Jelena Scherban, a proud mother of six young children between the ages of 11 and 3: Michail, Viktorija, Ingrida, Juozas, Rimas, and Jonas. Together with her husband, Jelena faces steep odds to maintain the family’s happiness, health, and stability....Read more about JDC helping a family in the Baltics weather the economic downturn

JDC Provides Literal Lifeline to Dejected and Destitute Young Family
Valentina and Victor built a two-room shack in Slobodziya, Moldova for themselves and their two children with their bare hands, using only a hoe and a pitch fork....Read more about how JDC's relief efforts sustain a young Moldovan Jewish family 

Redefining Righteous:  The "Unorthodox" Dr. Rick Hodes in Ethiopia
An Orthodox Jew with a penchant for the extraordinary, Rick Hodes, M.D., has long felt his calling as a medical pioneer. “When I was in junior high school, the stuff I would read was about doctors in weird places...Read more about Dr. Hodes and his lifesaving medical efforts in Ethiopia