Argentina Update

July 2002

The needs of the Jewish Community in Argentina continues to grow as the economic situation further deteriorates. The financial need for 2002 is $8.76 million. That number will increase in 2003 as the number of cases escalates.

FACTS

• Economic and emotional meltdown continues
• Further devaluation of peso
• No money available in banks
• Unemployment rate soars
• 35 new families coming to JDC for assistance each week
• 70% of Jewish owned small businesses have closed

JDC/FEDERATION RESPONSE

• JDC continues to provide food vouchers, clothing and rent subsidies for 26,000 people in our caseload.
• JDC in partnership with AMIA is now providing meals for over 2,000 children in 33 Jewish Day Schools.
• Demand for medicines continues to rise. The Central Community Pharmacy and pharmacies in Social Assistance Centers operated by JDCare expanding the amount of medicine being distributed.
• Free Legal Counseling is now available for those in need of assistance due to eviction, problems meeting mortgages and inability to pay rent and utilities.
• As more professionals seek job assistance, JDC is continuing to work with unemployed professionals and developing small businesses.
• Consulting and assistance in reorganizing the Argentine Jewish Community on the merging of Jewish day schools, synagogues and community centers to ensure stability and viability of local institutions.
• JDC continues working with partners and conduct community building events such as Pesach Together (communal seder attended by over 12,000), Shavuout Together (a night of study and celebration attended by over 13,000) and other programs to keep people connected.

This dramatic downward spiral has accelerated the financial needs of this once-vibrant Jewish community. JDC needs $23 million covering both 2002 and 2003. This crisis is not expected to end and funds will continue to be needed for the next several years.