http://www.jdc.org Official press releases from JDC Media Relations. Michael Geller, JDC Media Relations JDC Convio Content Management System Module en-us www.jdc.org-426970316 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2013/charity-navigator-again.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarianassistance organization, received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating again this year. This distinction recognizes JDC’s ability to outperform most charities in America through its comprehensive financial management, accountability, and transparency. Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-415699381 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2013/destination-shanghai.html Nearly two hundred Jews from Asia and around the world will arrive here on April 4 for Destination Shanghai, a four-day gathering of Jewish learning, creativity, and history in Asia. With sixty educational and cultural workshops, a Shanghai Shabbat experience, and a day dedicated to Shanghai’s WWII Jewish history and global Jewish responsibility, the event is a project of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Limmud China, and avolunteer network of Asian Jewish community leaders. Forty regional young Jewish leaders will attend through a partnership with the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Philanthropic Network. JDC Entwine (JDC’s young adult movement) is bringing a global cohort of young adult activists as well. Participants come from China, India, Japan, Singapore, Israel, the UK, and the U.S. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-415696131 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2013/jdc-names-pamela-joy.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) announced that Pamela Joy Shatzkes and Lior Sternfeld, two scholars, were named Fred and Ellen Lewis JDC Archives Fellows. Designed for scholars engaged in graduate level, post-doctoral, or independent study, the Fellowship – now in its second year – is for research in the JDC Archives facilities in New York or Jerusalem. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-409847580 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2013/jdc-advances-women-as-change.html Seventeen prominent female NGO and civil society leaders will participate in the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee's (JDC) Second International Women's Leadership Workshop on Sunday, March 3. The five-day intensive seminar, based in Israel, will focus on women as proactive change makers and provide educational, networking, and professional development opportunities in global development and disaster relief. Participants come from thirteen countries, including Argentina, Bosnia, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Serbia, Tanzania, and the U.S. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-393671646 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2013/three-years-later-in-haiti.html Three years after the earthquake in Haiti, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is investing in schools and educational campuses, vocational training to help build the country’s future workforce, and Haitian civil society leaders for a sustainable future. Through $8.7 million dollars in donations from the Jewish Federations of North America and tens of thousands of individual donors, JDC’s projects have reached more than 300,000 Haitians, or roughly 10 percent of those impacted by the earthquake, to date. JDC’s work in Haiti has been done in collaboration with Haitian, Israeli, and other NGO partners. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-392814221 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2013/ruderman-family-foundation.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Ruderman Family Foundation, and the Government of Israel announced a dramatic $12.5 million expansion of their Israel Unlimited Partnership for Israeli adults with disabilities as a result of a new landmark $4 million lead grant from the Ruderman Family Foundation. The grant will further expand the Partnership’s groundbreaking work in inclusion, ensure a focus on employment (a key challenge in this community), and will be matched by JDC and the Israeli government. Founded in 2009, Israel Unlimited has reached tens of thousands of Israelis with disabilities to date and is dedicated to the inclusion of people with disabilities by empowering them to advocate on their own behalf and live independently, and by highlighting their integral role as Israeli citizens. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-379515148 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-names-alan-gill-its-new.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has named Alan H. Gill as its next CEO. Gill, whose distinguished career in the Jewish community has been marked by transformative professional leadership, will take the helm of the global Jewish humanitarian organization on January 31, 2013. Gill’s unanimous nomination by a selection committee of JDC’s Board of Directors and confirmation by the Board’s Executive Committee came after an extensive global search conducted by executive search firm DRG. Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-377025490 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-continues-israel-crisis.html Even as hundreds of rockets from Gaza have barraged Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) emergency response continues on the ground and now online in a new effort reaching the Israeli public. Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-376228787 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-responds-to-crisis-in.html As rockets continue to rain down on Israel from Gaza, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) emergency response system has been activated and is ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable Israelis impacted by this ongoing crisis. JDC has been working continuously with the Israeli government and local municipalities as close to 250 rockets have been fired and three people tragically killed in Kiryat Malakhi in a direct hit to their home. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-365505385 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-and-susan-g-komen.html Yesterday, thousands of Bosnians - Muslims, Jews, Serbs, and Croats - gathered in Sarajevo to join in the fight against breast cancer at the Fifth Annual Bosnia and Herzegovina Race for the Cure®- sponsored this year by the U.S. Embassy and organized by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee's Women's Health Empowerment Program (WHEP) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-360527383 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/jdc-launches-first-ever.html With Rosh Hashanah right around the corner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has launched its first ever Facebook App in time for the holiday allowing you to send e-Recipe cards to family and friends. Connecting you to Jewish communities far and wide and flavors of the Jewish New Year the world over, you can share JDC global holiday recipes – from leek fritatas from Turkey or cornflour-coconut halava from India – and your own holiday favorites by utilizing the latest in JDC’s social media toolbox. Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-348836938 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-responds-to-russian.html In response to Saturday's flash floods in Russia's Krasnodar region – which left more than 150 people dead – JDC activated its emergency network and staff in the region immediately began reaching out to the local Jewish population and assessing damage. Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-347609655 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-appoints-ofer-glanz.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) announced today that Ofer Glanz has been appointed Director of its Former Soviet Union Department. With more than 20 years of private sector and NGO experience in global markets including Russia, Ukraine, India, Israel, and China, Glanz brings to JDC the ability to address today's challenges in the former Soviet Union with expertise in creating and directing multiple local and regional operations throughout those regions. His past experience also includes creating community-building programs, strategic operational planning, and Jewish leadership training. Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-345901637 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-receives-grant-to-further.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) – through its Entwine initiative for young Jewish leaders – will further expand its educational and global service opportunities for West Coast Jews in their 20’s and 30’s thanks to grants from the Jim Joseph and Leichtag Foundations. As the region is home to a growing and influential population of young Jews, these combined grants aim to increase the reach of JDC Entwine Global Learning Networks in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Part of the funding will also expand the number of California-based young adults participating in JDC global service programs. Additionally, San Diego will become a hub and center for JDC Entwine programming in California. Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-345879223 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-announces-first-archives.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) announced today that historians Mary Fraser Kirsh and Susan Gilson Miller were named the first Fred and Ellen Lewis JDC Archives Fellows. Designed for scholars engaged in graduate level, post-doctoral, or independent study, the Fellowship is for research in the JDC Archives facilities in New York or Jerusalem. Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-340605373 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdcpresentense-moscow.html Tonight the inaugural class of JDC/PresenTense Kaet Fellows will pitch and present their new social entrepreneurship ventures to Moscow's thriving Jewish community. After five months of intensive training and incubation, the ventures will be presented to a group of more than 100 local Jewish community leaders, philanthropists, and others at Moscow's Strelka Institute. A first in Moscow, such launch nights have been hosted by PresenTense in New York, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and 7 other sites this season. Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-339647271 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/first-ever-limmud-china.html In a global first, Jews from Asia will gather near the Great Wall of China to build regional unity and share their Jewish experiences at Limmud China, an initiative of Jewish community leaders from Asia supported by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Limmud International. Nearly 100 Jews from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are registered for the day-long event on June 3, 2012. Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-336003526 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-announces-interim-ceo-and.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) President Penny Blumenstein announced today that veteran Jewish community executive and leader, Darrell Friedman, has been appointed interim JDC CEO, effective July 1, 2012. She also announced that JDC will immediately commence a global executive search to recruit the successor for current JDC CEO Steven Schwager. Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-335176552 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-announces-retirement-of.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) today announced that Steven Schwager, the organization's Executive Vice President and CEO, will step down as CEO as of June 30, 2012 and will retire from JDC on January 31, 2013. Schwager, who has served as CEO since 2002, has worked with distinction for JDC since 1989, including as the organization's CFO and COO. Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-330954803 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-once-again-receives.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, has once again received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating. This distinction recognizes JDC’s ability to outperform most charities in the U.S. by efficiently managing its finances. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-320791210 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-outraged-by-toulouse.html JDC, a global Jewish organization operating in more than 70 countries worldwide, is in direct contact with the French Jewish community through its office in Paris and is continuously monitoring the situation as it develops. Over the years, JDC has partnered with the Ozar Hatorah educational system on a variety of projects including its current work in Morocco. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-335723445 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/one-year-later-in-japan-jdc.html One year after the powerful tsunami ravaged Japan, a homeless 70-year-old named Shoko is finding community again and young mother Yuriko is able to get her child to sleep through the night because of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee's (JDC) efforts on the ground. From community cafés that offers psycho-social care, health services, and community workshops for displaced Japanese, to a post-trauma program using a huggable plush dog named "Hibuki" who helps Japanese children overcome post traumatic stress, more than 130,000 people have been directly helped throughout the hardest-hit prefectures. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-317107988 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdc-global-archives-website.html The JDC Global Archives includes over 3 miles of text documents, 100,000 photographs, 1,100 audio recordings including 95 oral histories, 157 recorded historic speeches and broadcasts, and 1,300 video recordings. Every year, close to 1,000 researchers, scholars, genealogists, filmmakers, journalists, Holocaust survivors and the general public conduct research in the JDC Global Archives. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-315433836 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/emergency-relief-greek-jewish.html As financial conditions worsen for Greek Jews, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), through the support of the Jewish Federations of North America, is leading a growing group of global partners, including Lauder Foundation and Leichtag Family Foundation, to aid the financially-strapped Jewish community. Suffering under the weight of high unemployment, a loss of income, and new taxes, Jews are out of work and seeking assistance. In response, JDC has advocated for a pan-European and pan-Jewish response and has donated, to date, $330,000 for welfare and school scholarships to the Athens Jewish community, which has been the most hard hit. Additionally, JDC will be holding its European regional Gesher young leadership conference in Thessaloniki to ensure young Greek Jews can participate locally. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311567955 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/apply-2012-2013-service-corps.html JDC currently has twenty-five JSC fellows serving in 11 countries: Argentina, Ethiopia, China, Germany, India, Israel, Latvia, Russia, Rwanda, Turkey, and Ukraine. Read blog updates from a few of our current JSC Fellows: Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311566896 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/extreme-winter-former-soviet-union.html As a wave of dangerous winter weather continues to grip Eastern Europe and parts of the former Soviet Union, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has activated its emergency winter response system to supplement the care it already provides to tens of thousands of Jewish elderly and needy children at this time of year. In addition to the heating fuel, blankets, warm jackets, clothes and boots JDC has provided for 20 winters in the past, JDC staff are currently providing extra heating supplies and food to those who cannot leave home and called to check in on those who need additional medical care in some of the hardest hit areas like the Balkans and Ukraine. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311566062 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/jdcpresentense-names-first.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and PresenTense have announced 13 young Jewish entrepreneurs as its first group of Moscow-based Kaet Fellows. From a high tech expert to a small town rabbi, these Russian social innovators will enter a 5-month incubator where they will transform their ideas for addressing community challenges into sustainable local ventures. Such ventures will include those focusing on Jewish education, emergency medical training, the needs of Jewish seniors, volunteerism, Jewish art and culture, among other topic areas. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311564634 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/two-years-later-haiti.html For 8th grader Fabienne and her fellow students at the Zoranje educational campus, learning is the order of the day at a new, state-of-the-art, handicap-accessible middle school built and opened by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). That’s because two years after the earthquake, JDC has focused its relief work on children’s education and disabilities-related programming in collaboration with its Haitian, Israeli, and other NGO partners. Through $8.6 million dollars in donations from the Jewish Federations of North America and tens of thousands of individual donors, JDC’s projects, including the middle school, have impacted nearly 300,000 Haitians to date. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311563802 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2012/penny-blumenstein-president.html Penny Blumenstein of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan has been elected the 16th President of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. Blumenstein, a noted global philanthropist dedicated to causes in Michigan, Israel, and around the world, has been a member of the JDC Board since 2002. She was confirmed at JDC’s recent Board Meeting, attended by top leaders from the Jewish and international NGO communities. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311648962 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/jdc-champions-women-leaders.html Six leading female civil society leaders from Haiti, the U.S., Sri Lanka, India, and Ethiopia will be in Israel for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) First International Women’s Leadership Workshop on Sunday, December 4. The 5-day workshop will provide educational, networking, and professional development opportunities in disaster relief and global development. Additionally, individual meetings and site visits have been tailored for each leader according to their specific interests—children’s welfare, healthcare, disabilities, education, and employment. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311645793 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/2nd-buncher-interfaith.html On November 13-15, leading UK and U.S. government officials and top professionals from secular and faith-based community organizations in Europe, Israel, and the UK gathered for a landmark conference on innovative social development organized by the JDC International Centre for Community Development (JDC-ICCD), CEDAR: the European Muslim Professionals Network, and the Faiths Forum for London. The Lambeth Palace-based event enabled participants to share expertise and innovative practices with an eye to developing collaborative social service delivery in the midst of ongoing economic turmoil. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-311644857 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/jdc-responds-turkey-earthquake.html In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in eastern Turkey yesterday, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has begun collecting funds for relief efforts. Responding to initial reports of hundreds of deaths and wide-spread building collapse, JDC is working with its local partners—including Turkey’s Jewish community—to ensure the victims’ immediate needs are addressed. JDC’s past humanitarian interventions in Turkey have included the provision of aid and training after earthquakes in 2010 and 1999. JDC staff experts are currently determining what next steps are necessary, especially in the hardest-hit Van Province. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-311644140 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/post-trauma-program-japan.html The Hibuki program—whose training in Japan was carried out by JDC’s Dr. Flora Mor and Dr. Shai Hen-Gal—is based on the principle that children who actively face their stress can alleviate fears and better adapt to life after a trauma. The child is told that his/her Hibuki is scared and suffering. By working with the stuffed animal, the child transfers his/her own fears onto the doll and in fact, through the doll, helps "treat" him/herself. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-311643582 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/jdc-summer-activities.html For Natalia, a 5-year-old from Belarus, and nearly 15,000 Jewish children and their families, this summer will be filled with memorable celebrations of Jewish life and identity. In more than 130 family and youth retreats and Shabbat weekends across 20 countries in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) provides summer excursions focused on Jewish learning and outdoor adventures. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-311641313 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/4th-komen-race-sarajevo.html In a powerful show of support for the fourth annual Bosnia and Herzegovina Race for the Cure®—organized by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s Women’s Health Empowerment Program (WHEP) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure—President H.E. Željko Komšić announced his patronage of the September 24 event. In addition, Danuta Moon, wife of the U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Patrick Moon, will serve as Chair of the Race, joining thousands of the country’s Muslims, Jews, Serbs and Croats who will come together on the streets of Sarajevo. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-311642606 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/survey-european-jewish-attitudes.html A new research study on Jewish identity and community participation in Central and Eastern Europe identifies trends among Jewish adults in Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, and Romania. Identity à la Carte, a two-year and wide-reaching study, examined views on religious observance, Jewish identity, anti-Semitism, Israel, Jewish knowledge, and organizational affiliation among 1,270 Jews, ages 18-60. The study—a project of the JDC International Center for Community Development—was conducted by leading demographers Andras Kovacs, Barry Kosmin, and Sergio DellaPergola, among others. Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-304662199 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/20-years-after-operation-solomon.html Twenty years after the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) took a leading role in the miraculous airlift of more than 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel, the humanitarian aid organization continues to support and help integrate Ethiopian Israelis into Israeli society. With dozens of nation-wide programs strengthening the lives of Ethiopian Israelis of all ages, JDC - through the support of the Jewish Federations of North America - helps ensure advancements in early childhood education, employment, and national service. Sun, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-304668207 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/holocaust-names-photos-collection.html For the first time in its history, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is making a collection of its historic records and photographs from the Holocaust period available online. The website - enables the public, especially Holocaust survivors and their families, to perform searches for themselves or others they know on a database of more than 500,000 names and to view and identify photos from 14 countries where JDC operated during and after the war. Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307872570 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/obama-appoint-herbert-block.html Following the White House announcement that President Obama intends to appoint Herbert Block, an American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Assistant Executive Vice President, to the U.S. Commission for the Preservation Of America’s Heritage Abroad, JDC CEO Steven Schwager lauded Block’s distinguished work in the areas of Holocaust-era property reclamation, Jewish community development, and public policy. Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307876049 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/jdc-idf-hospital-japan.html As part of its continuous, on-the-ground response in Japan, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is now partnering with the Israel Defense Forces Field Hospital which will be operating in Minamisanriko, one of the many cities decimated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. JDC—which previously supported IDF Field Hospitals in Haiti and Turkey—will be providing equipment such as an infant ventilator and portable ultrasound as well as life-saving antibiotics and other medications. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307877714 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/jdc-responds-japanese-earthquake-tsunami.html In the wake of the disastrous Japanese earthquake and subsequent Pacific Ocean tsunami, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is collecting funds for relief efforts and has reached out to the Japanese Government to offer its expertise in earthquake and tsunami-related response. JDC acquired substantial experience in post-tsunami and earthquake recovery through its relief and reconstruction projects in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives and India following the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004. JDC is now conducting an up-to-the-minute assessment of the situation in Japan and the Pacific Rim and has activated its network of partners to determine critical, immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307879995 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/jdc-aids-christchurch.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is working with the Jewish community of Christchurch, New Zealand to aid survivors of the city’s devastating earthquake. JDC funding will contribute to Christchurch Jewish community efforts to repair a damaged local synagogue and homes, replace household goods, provide financial stipends and temporary relocation costs, and support community-service or children’s programs for the wider community. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307880711 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/apply-jewish-service-corps.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is accepting applications for its 2011-2012 Jewish Service Corps (JSC) through March 15, 2011. JSC is a year-long, paid, professional opportunity for recent college graduates and young professionals to directly engage with JDC’s global mission and actively fulfill the value of Jewish responsibility. JSC fellows play a hands-on role in addressing global Jewish and humanitarian challenges and building awareness while in the field and upon their return. Apply now at www.JDC.org/jsc. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307882325 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/obama-appoint-susan-k-stern.html Following the White House announcement that President Obama intends to appoint Susan K. Stern, longtime American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) leader and JDC Special Advisor on Government Affairs, to Chair the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, JDC CEO Steven Schwager lauded Stern’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and public service. Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307882966 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2011/one-year-jdc-haiti.html One year after the Haitian earthquake, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) critical relief efforts have directly impacted 240,000 Haitians and are paving a path toward betters lives for the disabled and children. Through $7.7 million dollars in donations from the Jewish Federations of North America and tens of thousands of individual donors, JDC’s collaboration with Haitian, Israeli, and other NGOs has fed, clothed, provided state-of-the-art medical treatment, job training, and education for the country’s recovering population. Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307886396 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/18th-winter-former-soviet-union.html As record cold blasts the U.S. and Northern Europe, it’s easy to forget that 78-year-old Irina, suffering from debilitating arthritis, must struggle to overcome the Ukrainian winter with nothing more than an ancient firewood heater. But for 18 years, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has ensured that tens of thousands of poor, elderly Jews like Irina receive heating fuel, blankets, warm jackets, clothes and boots each winter in nearly 2,800 cities across the former Soviet Union. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307887013 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/donations-aid-israeli-fire-evacuees.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is participating in relief and recovery efforts for evacuated Israelis in the wake of the country’s unprecedented and devastating forest fires. JDC—which runs programs in communities affected by the blaze—has been working continuously with local authorities and the Israeli government to ensure the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable in the area. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308083264 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/chanukah-bulgarian-jewish-preschool.html As Jews around the world begin celebrating Chanukah tonight, Shlomo, a 33-year-old father of two from Sofia, Bulgaria, will be giving the gift of a Jewish education to his children through Gan Balagan, Sofia’s first Jewish preschool to open in more than fifty years. A project of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Shalom, Bulgarian Jewry’s social and cultural organization, Gan Balagan will provide Jewish children, ages 2-5, with educational experiences in basic Hebrew and Jewish traditions, among other subjects. Located in a well-equipped, modern facility that includes a spacious area for dancing and role-playing, multimedia equipment, and a piano, the school will also serve daily kosher meals. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307890442 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-2010-rig-fellows.html The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship (RIG), established in 1987, is named after JDC’s honorary Executive Vice-President, who served as the organization’s top professional leader and who proved to be instrumental in the establishment of the State of Israel. Fellows participate in JDC’s global programs through a range of unique assignments that respond to the changing needs of Jewish communities around the world. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308662470 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/haitis-first-clinic-prosthetic.html For 23-year-old Oscar, an optimistic man with an easy smile, dreams of being a professional soccer player or a high-tech mogul all but vanished after losing his right leg during Haiti’s destructive earthquake. Today, Oscar and other earthquake victims have found hope at a newly dedicated rehabilitation clinic and prosthetic workshop developed by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee together with Israel’s Magen David Adom and Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Hospital as well as the Haitian Red Cross and the HUEH (l’Hôpital de l’Université d’Etat d’Haïti). The modernized facilities are the first of their kind in Haiti. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307891809 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-launches-online-anthology.html As part of its “Judaism Without Walls” initiative, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has launched a comprehensive online anthology of Russian-language informal Jewish education materials, http://activi.JDC.org.il. The website is the internet companion to a 14-volume, 3,000 page compilation that includes programs, lessons, games, and activities for all age groups. Both were featured at a major JDC Jewish educators’ conference in Moscow in late October. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308661886 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/ga-jews-need-us-most.html As global economic instability continues to have a staggering impact on Jewish lives, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s CEO Steven Schwager said that JDC’s historic partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America is more critical than ever. Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307894254 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-us-unicef-hatian-children.html Responding to the critical needs of vulnerable Haitian children, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF have announced their first major partnership aimed at providing secure spaces and activities for the devastated island’s youngsters. JDC will support UNICEF’s Child Friendly Spaces program which builds safe and protective environments throughout Haiti for children who have lost homes, families, and communities in the earthquake. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307896051 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/3rd-annual-race-for-cure-sarajevo.html On October 2, 2010, more than 3,000 Bosnians, Muslims, Croats, Serbs and Jews will unite at the Third Bosnia and Herzegovina Race for the Cure®, organized by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. This year’s Race for the Cure honors the memories of Susan G. Komen (who died from breast cancer 30 years ago) and JDC’s Marcia Presky, founder of the Women’s Health Empowerment Program (WHEP)—an JDC-Susan G. Komen ® for the Cure overseas breast cancer education program—who lost her battle five years ago. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307898146 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/from-kitchens-around-the.html It may not be your Bubbe’s brisket, but leek frittatas from Turkey and cornflour-coconut halava from India are the very dishes that will make your Rosh Hashanah meal unforgettable. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization that operates in more than 70 countries around the globe, has collected from some of the most exotic locales in Jewish life a menu of decadent recipes for the Jewish New Year. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307899898 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/donations-pakistan-flood-victims.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, is collecting funds to aid victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan. JDC has previously provided relief to the Pakistani people in the wake of the disastrous 2005 and 2008 earthquakes. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307898700 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-summer-retreats-europe-former-soviet-union.html At JDC summer retreats, programs for toddlers to teenagers and their families combine Jewish education with art, drama, English language studies, computers, sports, dancing and music. Children from the full spectrum of Jewish affiliation, from large cities and remote villages, experience a renewed commitment to their Jewish heritage. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307901107 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-responds-devastating-russian-heatwave.html In Moscow alone, JDC staff and the young volunteers—often recruited through Facebook and JDC young leadership programs—have made more than 900 calls and numerous home visits to isolated seniors. During these visits, the young people provided much-needed solace to the elderly and brought extra food, drinking water, medicine, and helped clean their homes. These volunteers have also staffed a children’s care center at the Nikitskaya JCC, where air-conditioned relief is being provided for low-income families. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-307902142 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/nobel-laureates-taub-center.html Nobel Laureates Gary S. Becker, Aaron Ciechanover, James J. Heckman and Daniel Kahneman have joined the International Advisory Council of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, one of Israel’s most prestigious think-tanks. Providing the country’s leading policy makers and general public with highly regarded socio-economic perspectives and policy options, the Taub Center was established in 1982 by American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308085495 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/guidestar-israel-launched.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Israeli Ministry of Justice, and Yad Hanadiv (The Rothschild Foundation) have launched GuideStar Israel, a project operated by NPTech Technologies for Nonprofit Organizations. NPTech is an Israeli nonprofit organization founded by the JDC-Israel and Yad Hanadiv. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308086238 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/baby-day-care-argentina.html Originally launched to provide day-care services for impoverished Jewish parents in the aftermath of the financial collapse in Argentina, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) Baby Help program is helping to increase affiliation to the Jewish community in Buenos Aires. This year alone, 70% of the 600 participants in Baby Help have become involved in Jewish communal institutions, celebrations and religious activities. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308087076 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-bbyo-overseas-fellowship.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and BBYO launched a new overseas service fellowship for BBYO alumni, the JDC-BBYO Global Service Fellowship. This new initiative will place four BBYO alumni in JDC’s Jewish Service Corps for one year to work with overseas Jewish communities on their most pressing welfare, Jewish renewal and humanitarian needs and develop teen programming and connections to Jewish life through BBYO’s innovative leadership programming and international network. The JDC-BBYO Global Service Fellowship is receiving initial support from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308102297 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-g20-spotlight.html Following the G20 Summit in Toronto earlier this week, Steven Schwager, the CEO of American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), said that solving the challenges that face the world’s poor is an essential element for global economic recovery. Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308103442 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-continues-monitoring-kyrgyzstan.html JDC’s long-term support for the Jewish community in Kyrgyzstan, an estimated 1,300 people, includes the local Hesed welfare center in Bishkek, which provides food, medicine and home care to the community. Additionally, JDC supports a Jewish library, a program for family education, as well as other aid and Jewish renewal programs for elderly and children at risk. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308104389 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/in-hungary-jdc-susan-g-komen.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® will hold its 12th major conference on breast cancer in Budapest on June 14. The conference leverages the success of eleven other conferences and a variety of breast cancer advocacy programs that have impacted the lives of tens of thousands of women and their families through JDC/Komen for the Cure’s Women’s Health Empowerment Program (WHEP) in Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Georgia, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308107066 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-odessa-beit-grand-jcc.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, and the Odessa Jewish community formally dedicated today the Beit Grand Jewish Cultural Center. The Beit Grand JCC—the central address for Jewish life in Odessa—has been supported and expanded through the generosity of philanthropists Nancy and Stephen Grand and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and serves one of the former Soviet Union’s most vibrant Jewish populations. Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308108445 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-navigators-highest-rating.html For the third consecutive year, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating, given in recognition of JDC’s ability to outperform most charities in the U.S. by efficiently managing its finances. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308110266 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-cimi-seminar-diaspora.html Leveraging Israel’s unique relationship with the Jewish Diaspora, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s Center for International Migration and Integration (CIMI) held a 4-day seminar for countries seeking expertise in building robust ties to their ethnic diasporas. The seminar was attended by government officials from Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. The seminar was fully funded by MASHAV (Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Office. Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308112405 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/argentina-program-launched-baltics.html To help battle rising rates of unemployment and poverty among Jews in the Baltics, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, has launched two of its successful Ariel Job Centers in Riga, Latvia and Tallinn, Estonia. The centers—based on a pioneering model that continues to help Argentina’s Jews recover in the wake of that country’s economic crisis—provide seminars, classes and training on job hunting, interviewing, resume building, as well as computer and other professional skills. Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308113780 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdcs-dr-rick-hodes-lauded.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) Medical Director Dr. Rick Hodes is now the subject of a new book, This is a Soul, by Marilyn Berger, and a new HBO documentary, Making the Crooked Straight, by filmmaker Susan Cohn Rockefeller. For more than twenty years, Hodes has overseen and delivered comprehensive medical services on JDC’s behalf for a variety of populations in Ethiopia. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308115053 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-appoints-josh-kram-representative.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, has appointed Josh Kram its Government Affairs Representative in Washington, D.C. Kram will help expand JDC’s existing governmental outreach by raising the organization’s profile and deepening relationships with public officials. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308115890 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/tragic-loss-polish-president.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, mourns the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and other Polish officials in the plane crash on Saturday. Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308119694 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-monitoring-jewish-community-kyrgystan.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, has been continuously monitoring the safety and working to ensure the ongoing care of its Jewish community clients in Kyrgyzstan during the recent political crisis. To date, there have been no reported injuries to the country’s Jewish community. Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308118316 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-prodev-schools-port-au-prince.html As part of its ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), is partnering with the Prodev Foundation, a local Haitian NGO that focuses on education and development, to fund the operation of 10 temporary schools for displaced children in Port-au-Prince. The schools—“Kay Timoun” (Children’s Haven in Creole)—will provide free education to 2,000 children, ages 6-14. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308121049 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/passover-meal-kitchens-around-world.html You can heat up that matzah-ball soup and whip-up grandpa’s famous firehouse horseradish, but make room for new Passover tastes from India, Estonia, and Israel. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, sponsors hundreds of Passover seders around the world as part of its community building and welfare programs, and these recipes were chosen to represent some of more than the seventy countries JDC works in. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-307892839 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-donations-chile.html In the wake of today’s 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, announced that it will collect funds for relief efforts, said JDC CEO Steven Schwager. Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308122493 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/new-jdc-haggadah.html Just in time for this year’s Passover seder, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, has published. This new Passover Haggadah, whose publication was funded by the children of former JDC President Heinz Eppler for his 80 birthday, retells the biblical tale of Jewish freedom and redemption utilizing newly released photographs, letters, and documents from the celebrated JDC archives. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308126379 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-addresses-needs-haiti.html Among the Haitians being aided by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and its partners in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake, are teenagers Pierre and Moise, clients of a JDC-supported food program by EcoWorks International being run on the remains of a local hospital. Both recovering from surgery to their badly broken legs, these two young men, who lost family members and their homes, are receiving regular meals and water as they recuperate. Like hundreds of thousands of other victims, Pierre and Moise are struggling to regain their bearings amidst the rubble that just two weeks ago had been homes, schools, hospitals, markets, and places of worship. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308129108 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/no-passport-required-blog-haiti.html Through No Passport Required the official blog of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, readers can learn about JDC’s disaster response efforts on the ground in Haiti after the devastating earthquake and recent aftershocks. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308132978 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-ecoworks-hospital-haiti.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, in collaboration with EcoWorks International (EWI), a not-for-profit NGO working with poor communities around the world, is sponsoring a hospital-based feeding program, based out of the remains of a collapsed local hospital, to aid the victims of the devastating earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti. On January 17th, EWI’s team arrived in Haiti to set up the feeding program in Port-au-Prince that will serve patients, camp residents and orphans for the next two months. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308150321 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/haiti-relief-aids-victims.html One week after the catastrophic earthquake and aftershocks struck Haiti, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, and its partners on the ground are ensuring that critical medical, nutritional and material relief are reaching victims everyday. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308151691 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/new-yorkers-donate-supplies-haiti.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, in collaboration with the Afya Foundation, began loading their first container of supplies in New York City this morning at 9:30 a.m. to be shipped to victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake. The container, which is filled with hundreds of mattresses and blankets donated by Jewish Home Lifecare in New York City, will be shipped for Partners in Health International to manage the logistics of distribution on the ground in Haiti. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308152721 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-aid-victims-earthquake-haiti.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, is collecting funds on a non-sectarian basis for relief efforts following the catastrophic earthquake, the worst in over 200 years, that struck Haiti. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308154980 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2010/jdc-donations-earthquake-haiti.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, announced today that it is collecting funds on a non-sectarian basis for relief efforts following the catastrophic earthquake, the worst in more than 200 years, that struck Haiti yesterday evening. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308155998 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/2009-jdc-touched-lives.html For the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, 2009 was a year of remarkable accomplishment. On almost every continent across the globe, JDC fed the poor, aided the sick, rescued and supported those in crisis, and rekindled Jewish life in communities far and wide. Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308158309 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/chanukah-ifcj-jdc-relief-soviet-union.html In the darkness of the harsh winter, with poverty and illness ever present, tens of thousands of Jewish children and their families will be warmed by the Chanukah lights and receive relief, thanks to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ)-JDC Partnership for Children in the Former Soviet Union. A new $2.5 million gift from Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein on behalf of IFCJ will support children who benefit from the IFCJ-JDC Partnership, as well as needy elderly Jews for whom IFCJ provides major annual support through JDC. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308159377 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/jdc-lifeline-elderly-jews.html From St. Petersburg, Russia to Siberia, from Kiev, Ukraine to Kazakhstan, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) provides relief to nearly 170,000 destitute elderly Jews in over 2,800 cities, towns, and villages across the vast cultural and geographic expanse of republics that comprise the former Soviet Union. A network of more than 170 JDC-supported Hesed welfare centers and other Jewish organizations offers vital services to ease the burden of elderly Jews living in the region’s bitter cold. Every day, homecare for the elderly, as well as thousands of blankets, boots, warm jackets, and gallons of heating fuel oil are being provided for the neediest clients. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308160548 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/jdc-2009-general-assembly.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) Chief Executive Officer Steven Schwager will address a major gathering of North American Jewish leaders at the Jewish Federations of North America’s 2009 General Assembly (GA) in Washington, D.C. Schwager, together with JDC staff experts from around the world, will discuss on November 8-10 the impact of JDC’s global humanitarian assistance work, including its critical welfare, educational, and Jewish renewal programs as well as its major global service initiatives. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-308161989 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/jdc-ranked-chronicle-philanthropy.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has been ranked among the top 100 largest nonprofits in the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual Philanthropy 400 list. Based on this ranking, JDC is the largest operating charity in the Jewish philanthropic world. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308162542 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/michael-steinhardt-taub-center.html Michael Steinhardt, one of the leading American Jewish philanthropists, has joined the Board of Directors of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, announced Professor Dan Ben-David, the Center’s Executive Director. The Center was established in 1982 by American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308169014 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/donations-aid-asia-pacific-disasters.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), an overseas humanitarian aid organization working in over 70 countries, today announced that it is collecting funds on a non-sectarian basis for relief efforts following two earthquake-related disasters in the Asia Pacific region: in the tsunami-wracked Samoan islands and on the Indonesian island of Sumatra; as well as the Tropical Storm Parma, which strengthened to a typhoon and two cyclones in the Philippines, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308164911 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/october-breast-cancer-month.html JDC has a five-year partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. JDC’s Women’s Health Empowerment Program (WHEP) increases public awareness, health programs and vital information sharing by reaching out to women in areas where breast cancer death rates are staggering. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308171756 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/ifcj-jdc-partnership-new-year-fsu.html As Rosh Hashanah approaches, tens of thousands of Jewish children and their families, suffering from poverty, health problems, and the ongoing impact of the global financial crisis, will have an opportunity for a sweeter holiday thanks to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ)-JDC Partnership for Children in the Former Soviet Union. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308175212 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/partnership-disabled-israelis-ruderman.html Yesterday in a ceremony in Jerusalem, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation, and the Government of Israel launched a major partnership to benefit Israel’s 697,000 disabled adults. This will be the fifth JDC-Government of Israel joint effort dedicated to bettering the lives of the country’s vulnerable populations. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308178908 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/jdc-rosh-hashanah-recipes.html It may not be your Bubbe’s brisket, but leek frittatas from Turkey and cornflour-coconut halava from India are the very dishes that will make your Rosh Hashanah meal unforgettable. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), operating in more than 70 countries around the globe, has collected from some of the most exotic locales in Jewish life a menu of decadent recipes for the Jewish New Year. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308179798 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/szarvas-camp-indians.html When Adir Bhastekar told his parents he had been offered the opportunity to leave the bustling, crowded streets of Mumbai this summer to travel to far-off Szarvas, Hungary, they told him to jump at the chance. They wanted him to join the more than 1,300 young Jews from around the world who were experiencing a unique kind of Jewish community at the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation/American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) International Summer Camp in the serene forests of Southeastern Hungary. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308181401 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/jdc-summer-retreats-children-sunshine.html From the vast expanses of Siberia to the picturesque forests of the Baltics, Jewish children—some at risk from homes suffering alcoholism, drug abuse, or poverty—are learning about their Jewish heritage this summer. More than 60 American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee sponsored retreats throughout Europe and the former Soviet Union are offering an all-encompassing summer excursion, combining Jewish renewal with outdoor fun. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308182384 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/jdc-receives-navigators-highest.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for the second consecutive year, given in recognition of JDC outperforming most charities in the U.S. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308189121 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/agahozo-shalom-rwanda-orphans.html Agahozo is the Kinyarwanda word for“a place where tears are dried,” and Shalom is Hebrew for“live in peace.” The Village is situated on 143 acres of land that overlooks Lake Mugesera in Rwanda’s Eastern Province and includes 32 group homes, a high school, science and computer labs, land for organic farming, a reforestation program, dining hall, counseling and medical facilities, and recreational fields. This comprehensive living and learning community provides security, structure, and unconditional support for young people who desperately need a healing environment. The first 125 students, whose ranks will eventually grow to 500, moved into the Village in December 2008, and now call it home. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-308188384 http://www.jdc.org/news/press-releases/2009/jdc-dedicates-memorial.html The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) dedicated an interactive memorial wall commemorating more than forty JDC employees, from 1920 until today, who fell in the course of their missions assisting and rescuing Jews around the globe. The memorial was presented and conceived by JDC’s CEO Steven Schwager. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500