Kazakhstan’s Jewish life – like the vast expanse of the country’s deserts – was once a barren wasteland. The Ashkenazim, who settled in Kazakhstan during Stalin’s regime, had lost almost all ties to their Jewish heritage.

In the early 1990s, JDC began to operate small outreach and welfare programs in Almaty. Since then, Jewish renewal in Kazakhstan has blossomed and continues to grow in momentum.

JDC now supports significant welfare and renewal programs in 12 cities: Aktobe, Almaty, Astana, Karaganda, Kokshetau, Kostanay, Pavlodar, Petropavlovsk, Shymkent, Tazar, Uralsk and Ust-Kamenogorsk.

Hesed centers are providing welfare assistance to thousands of destitute elderly. Jewish Community Centers are sponsoring a broad spectrum of programs for all age groups. With JDC’s support, Kazakh Jews also have established a countrywide network utilizing the Internet and every month, there are Jewish television and radio programs.

Despite the Jewish community’s limited financial resources, it is determined to achieve complete self-sufficiency and has begun to seek local sponsors to support Jewish programs. Until the community achieves its dream, JDC will continue to provide financial support, training and guidance to Kazakhstan’s Jews.

2005