The Former Soviet Union, home of the third largest Jewish Population in the world, presents some of JDC’s most urgent needs. Still emerging from 70 years behind the Iron Curtain, where Jewish expression was forbidden, remarkable strides are being made toward a Jewish Renaissance. Today though, JDC’s guidance and support is still desperately needed.
The nearly quarter million elderly Jews living in the FSU are dependent on JDC programs for basic life sustaining support — making elderly relief assistance our most urgent challenge. Without JDC’s help, these people who survived the hardships of World War II and the Nazi atrocities would be without adequate food, medicine, sufficient heat and often dignity.
Through the Children’s Initiative, the urgent needs of the youngest Jews are being addressed. For a great number of impoverished, at-risk children, essentials such as food, medical care, clothing and school books are out of their reach. JDC offers aid to these children — giving them hope for the future.
Renewal programs and efforts to build self-sufficient Jewish communities throughout the region are the other cornerstones of JDC’s work in the FSU. A broad-range of community-based activities ranging from educational programs for children and adults, community outreach and family camps to leadership training seminars and Jewish academic studies in universities are helping to develop the spirit of volunteerism while fostering Jewish identity.
After more than a decade of work in the FSU, remarkable progress has been made – and much more remains to be done.
