As a journalist and playwright under Communism, Karol Sidon became a dissident, seeking freedom from the yoke of then Czechoslovakia's repressive regime and the opportunity to explore his Jewish roots. His search led him to rabbinical studies in Israel and a close friendship with the late Rabbi Uzi Kalcheim.

Years later, Rabbi Kalcheim's daughter, Yael, an occupational therapist, was drawn to Prague by her father's connection with Rabbi Sidon, now chief rabbi of the Czech Republic. With funding from JDC, she found her life's calling in helping the local Jewish community develop welfare services for Holocaust survivors and train social work professionals. The results: the nurturing of a comprehensive, self-sufficient welfare program to meet the physical and spiritual needs of Jewish elderly in the Czech Republic.

"The practical impact of Yael's consultation is greatly valued," says Rabbi Sidon. "But it is what she and JDC have done for the soul of our community that we cherish most."