Georgia is a country of contrast. From isolated villages in the Caucasus Mountains to tourist enclaves on the Black Sea, its economy relies not only on minerals mined in its mountainous regions but also on tourism and agricultural products, such as citrus fruit and tea. Tragically, these industries have suffered a disastrous economic downturn since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ensuing conflicts among the regions of Georgia.

Situated north of Turkey, Georgia is one of the poorest countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU). Throughout the 1990s, regional separatist movements created civil strife and severely damaged the economy. Fuel shortages and organized crime also have impeded the country’s economic growth. Health services are severely limited, and education is seriously underfunded.

Georgian Jews have a long and proud history. Unlike most Jews of the FSU, they escaped the harsh anti-Semitism and enforced atheism of the Soviet era and were able to maintain a strong Jewish identity and Jewish traditions. The vast majority – tens of thousands – have made aliyah. Those who remain live primarily in Tbilisi, the capital, and in Gori, Kutaisi, Batumi and Oni.

Elderly

Georgia’s poor economy has had a devastating impact on thousands of elderly Jews. Their average pension is only $15 per month. Without JDC’s help, they could not afford life’s basic necessities of food, clothing, housing and health care.

Community Programs

During the Soviet era, Jewish institutions, books and religious articles were banned. Though the community was able to maintain its Jewish traditions, the Georgian Jews were eager to reconnect with world Jewry after the country gained its independence in 1991.
Unfortunately, they urgently needed Jewish resources, training and financial assistance to rebuild Jewish communal programs.

Thanks, in part, to JDC working with the local community, Georgia’s Jewish communities have blossomed during the past decade. Their greatest challenge is the lack of financial resources. JDC is determined to maintain its support of Georgian Jews until they can achieve their dream of strong, self-sufficient Jewish communities.

2005