July 27, 2006

212.885.0818 • claire.schultz@jdcny.org **For Immediate Release** JDC Leadership Visits War Zone to Evaluate and Expand Aid Efforts

		New York -- An American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) leadership delegation will visit Israelis living in the war zone during an emergency solidarity mission scheduled for July 29-August 1. The group is going on a fact-finding trip to review the massive programs JDC has initiated in response to the current crisis and to develop a plan for additional aid. JDC's aid is targeting Israel's most vulnerable people — the elderly, children and those with disabilities — and has been ongoing in spite of damage from Katyushas that hit a delivery truck and an elderly day care center. So far, JDC volunteers and staff have delivered 4,725 activity kits to children confined in bomb shelters and provided meals and basic supplies to homebound elderly in the affected areas. Additionally, it has distributed over 10,000 emergency kits that include directions in Arabic, Russian, Amharic and Hebrew. JDC, the overseas arm of the North American Jewish community, has provided rescue, relief and renewal programs to communities in distress since 1914. "We have a long and important partnership with the people of Israel and this mission will enable us to see firsthand the needs of those impacted by this war and to coordinate our response with UJC and JAFI ," said Steve Schwager, JDC Executive Vice-President. The JDC delegation will visit the Jewish/Arab Hadar neighborhood of Haifa and meet with street children who have been assisted by JDC's programs. It will also visit the Day Care Center for Elderly in Karmiel, which was twice hit by missiles but is still providing meals to needy elderly. "This trip is important to show solidarity to the people of Israel and to gather information that will allow us to expand our projects during this emergency crisis," said Judge Ellen M. Heller, President of JDC.
		The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) serves as the overseas arm of the organized North American Jewish community providing relief for Jews in need, promoting Jewish renewal, rebuilding Jewish communities, and helping Israel address its most urgent social challenges. The JDC receives its funds primarily from American Jewry through the Jewish Federations of the United States and the United Jewish Communities. JDC also receives funding from World Jewish Relief of Great Britain and UIA Federations Canada.