In Caracas, a Jewish Community at a Crossroads
Facing a moment of significant change and challenges, the Jewish community of Venezuela is being steered through today’s realities by its dedicated leaders, with steadfast support from JDC.
Feature Stories
Latin America & Caribbean
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Jewish Caring for Elderly from Argentina to Uruguay and Beyond
“Rebeca” is 101 years old but as she pedals away on the elliptical machine at the Jewish home for the elderly in Montevideo, Uruguay, she seems to have the sprightly energy of a woman not a day over 80. Still, the toll of her remarkable life and the growing limitations of aging mean she is no longer able to care for herself. With no family to turn to, Rebeca looked to the Jewish community for support. Like thousands of Jewish elderly seeking living assistance as they age, her prayer was answered.
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From Argentina to Mexico, A Jewish Leader’s Light Burns Bright
“Judaism is a spark in my heart and I feel committed to bringing it to others,” says Dr. Daniel Fainstein, a proud Jewish leader in Mexico who is the Dean and a Professor of Jewish Studies and Education at the Hebrew University of Mexico, Latin America’s only Jewish academic college.
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Baby Help in Argentina Goes Intergenerational
JDC established the Baby Help program in Argentina in 2003 to provide vital services and Jewish connection for impoverished pregnant women and children (birth to 5 years) following the country’s devastating economic collapse. In addition to ensuring basic necessities such as food, milk, vitamins, vaccinations, and diapers, the Buenos Aires center offers day care so parents can find and maintain jobs, and welcomes dozens of young families for spirited celebrations of Shabbat and Jewish holidays throughout the year. Many of the families are single-parent households; many are troubled homes with serious social issues that take a toll on the children.
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Leader's Vision Helps Brazil's Jewish Community Grow
Gabriel heads up the JCC Hebraica, São Paulo’s premier Jewish hub that buzzes with activities for Jews of every age. Learn how JDC’s leadership training in Latin America helped Gabriel shape and realize his vision for his community.
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Step by Step: Women Lead Havana’s Jewish Renaissance
![“Our rikudim [Israeli folk Dance] groups are the pride and joy of the community,” says Marlen, Director of the island-wide, JDC-supported rikudim program and President of the Association of Jewish Women in Cuba.](/assets/images/fsi-250x165/step-by-step-women-lead-1.jpg)
When Marlen Fernandez Barroto was born 40 years ago to a peasant family in Havana, Cuba it was anything but predictable that she would become a central figure in the island’s Jewish community of 1,500 members. Growing up during Fidel Castro’s era, religion was nowhere to be found in Marlen’s home, though she says, “My mother always told me that I was curious about religion from a young age.”
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State-of-the-Art School Gives Haiti’s Children New Beginning
Fabienne, a Haitian 8th grader, dreams of becoming a doctor and helping her people. Find out how JDC’s new state-of-the-art school in Zoranje is giving Fabienne and scores of Haiti’s teenagers hope for their future.
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In Argentina, Student Gets Scholarship and Gives a Hand
Kevin hardly remembers Argentina’s economic collapse in 2001 because the crisis in his home started long before then. Find out how JDC answered this troubled family’s call for help and how Kevin is giving back to his community today.
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In Argentina, Building First-Rate Jewish Leaders through Learning Fest
Inspired by his strong Jewish upbringing in Argentina, Fernando made a pledge to recreate Jewish life for others. Find out how JDC’s leadership and professional training programs gave him the skills to fulfill his promise.
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Woman of Valor Brings Hope to Struggling Jewish Families in Uruguay
Miriam is a leader among volunteers who are restoring dignity to hundreds of Montevideo’s Jewish families facing economic despair. Find out how JDC’s innovative leadership trainings are creating a strong network of support for those in need.