http://www.jdc.org Updates and stories from JDC JDC Convio Content Management System Module en-us www.jdc.org-430031946 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/this-shavuot-learn-what.html Read how the Book of Ruth’s story of kindness and compassion for the elderly is echoed today in the work carried out throughout the former Soviet Union by the Hesed welfare centers that JDC helps to support. Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-426679987 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/from-the-ceo-responding-to.html Read CEO Alan Gill’s report on his recent visit with the Jewish communities in Sofia and Budapest, where JDC is helping to respond to changing conditions and escalating needs. Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-424746956 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/poland-the-70th-anniversary.html Read JDC senior professional Rebecca Neuwirth’s thoughts on the events surrounding the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which took place in Warsaw, Poland last week. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-424141236 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/saving-memories-preserving.html Read how JDC’s Margery Kohrman Saving Memory program in the former Soviet Union is helping to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s disease sufferers while changing attitudes and social perceptions. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-422524973 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/celebrating-israels-65th.html On Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, read how Jews in Romania have joined Jewish communities around the world in celebrating Israel’s 65th anniversary. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-420327533 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/destination-shanghai.html JDC senior professional Simon Caplan captures the highlights and explains the long-range strategy behind “Destination Shanghai,” the four-day international Jewish learning and networking experience that generated much excitement this week in China’s main commercial metropolis. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-419257739 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/from-the-ceo-nurturing-young.html Read CEO Alan H. Gill’s thoughts on his recent encounter with visiting young Jewish leaders from St. Petersburg, Russia, and JDC’s role in helping to produce a new generation of communal leadership in the former Soviet Union. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-416539092 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/urban-pesaj-fills-streets.html Thousands took to the streets of a trendy Buenos Aires neighborhood for "Pesaj Urbano" -- a favorite activity of JDC's YOK initiative, which engages people of all ages and backgrounds with Jewish culture outside traditional walls. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-415200829 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/celebrating-pesach-with-a.html Read how Jews in Tunisia add their own special flavor to Passover, reflecting a lively mix of cultural and religious traditions in this small but vital Jewish community. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-414879278 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/passover-is-a-holiday.html Read how JDC’s Baby Help Program in Argentina makes Passover a holiday to remember for needy Jewish children and their families. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-413677870 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/jewish-volunteers-engage-in-a.html Read how Jewish community volunteers have been promoting social engagement and help for one’s neighbors during “The Week of Good Deeds” in Donetsk, Ukraine. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-413089456 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/taking-adult-jewish-education.html Read how JDC gave 400 Romanian Jews an opportunity to deepen their Jewish knowledge last week at its Bereshit Jewish Community University in Cluj. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-411851346 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/restoring-dignity-to-teacher.html In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), read how JDC is helping a lonely, impoverished 85-year-old woman in Kazakhstan maintain the dignity she worked so hard to achieve. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-411261066 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/women-changemakers-gain-new.html In the lead-up to International Women’s Day (March 8), read how JDC’s International Women's Leadership Workshop in Israel is giving dynamic leaders from 13 countries an opportunity to gain new tools and inspiration for their changemaking work. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-409443285 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/ceo-briefing.html Alan Gill leads off his new "From the CEO" briefing series with a report from Israel on JDC employment programs for the ultra-Orthodox community that are paying off at Coca Cola/Israel. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-409122649 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/rediscovering-jewish-roots-in.html In the far-off city of Almaty in Kazakhstan, learn how a family is reconnecting to its Jewish heritage. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-405867528 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/wedding-celebrations-and.html Every wedding is unique—but capturing dozens of Cuban Jews under a chuppah (wedding canopy) in Havana is a sight to see. Read how a Latin American rabbi, who's made some 115 visits to Cuba’s Jewish community on JDC's behalf, officiated at more than two dozen Jewish weddings, 21 of which were held on the same day. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-405587568 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/new-early-childhood-centers.html With President Obama stressing the importance of early learning in his State of the Union Address, especially “for poor kids who need help the most,” read what JDC is doing for youngsters like "Danny" at its new Early Childhood Center in Jerusalem's Kiryat Menachem neighborhood. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-404370138 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/leadership-building.html Read a thoughtful exploration of leadership building and the lay-professional dynamic in community organizations by JDC Board member Steven Price and JDC senior professional Laura Spitzer—lifelong friends, colleagues, and fellow Wexner Heritage alumni. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-403643033 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/praise-for-jdc-and-new-ceo.html Read how US Ambassador Dan Shapiro and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat coupled words of praise for JDC and our new CEO, Alan Gill, at a reception in his honor in Israel. Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-401274640 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/helping-university-students.html Read how JDC is helping young people in Argentina pursue their college and career dreams despite ongoing economic difficulties. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-400566294 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/soups-on-bucharest-jcc.html Read how JDC’s popular soup-making contest brought 350 people of all ages together at the Bucharest Jewish Community Center on a wintry Sunday in Romania. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-398691274 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/tu-bshvat-in-mumbai-jdc.html Read how JDC helped the Jewish community in Mumbai, India celebrate Tu B’Shvat—the Jewish Arbor Day—this week in its own very special way. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-398174616 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/stormy-global-jobs-outlook.html With the International Labor Organization warning of new job losses ahead as economic recovery efforts stall, read how JDC programs are helping Jewish communities promote new job training opportunities where unemployment rates have been highest. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-396226936 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/argentina-revisited-with.html Read how JDC programs like Baby Help in Argentina continue to aid at-risk, impoverished Jewish children whose families are unable to secure a firm economic footing in that nation’s troubled economy. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-395431447 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/international-center-of.html Read how the International Center of Photography in NYC is showcasing the work of the late Roman Vishniac, presenting a more comprehensive view of this legendary photographer, best known for his haunting images of the “Vanished World” of Eastern European Jewry, many of which he created for JDC. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-395012074 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/early-reading-programs-are.html Programs that encourage families at the lower end of the economic scale to read aloud to their young children are proving effective both in Israel and in New York, giving youngsters a head start as they enter primary school. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-392868150 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/reflections-on-the-3rd.html On the 3rd anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, the Global Director of JDC’s International Development Program examines the way we bring our professional expertise to bear to save lives and rebuild communities following natural and man-made disasters. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-392854822 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2013/expanding-opportunities-and.html Read how the Ruderman Family Foundation is spearheading a dramatic expansion of efforts—matched by JDC and the Israeli government—to promote the inclusion of all Israeli adults with disabilities by providing new employment opportunities and services. Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-390991607 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/moving-forward-in-the-former.html On the 25th anniversary of the leadership mission that led to JDC's return to the Soviet Union after an absence of 50 years, JDC's Executive Director of Former Soviet Union Programs describes the challenges facing JDC in that region today. Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-389730792 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/two-faiths-come-together-in.html Read how JDC has been helping the Jewish Community of Japan develop a cross-cultural relationship with a Buddhist Temple in the area hit hardest by Japan’s March 2011 disaster. Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-387353795 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/wedding-joy-in-djerba.html On the Tunisian island of Djerba, a traditional Jewish wedding recently had some 400 guests celebrating into the wee hours of the morning in their spacious new Jewish Community Hall. Tue, 25 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-386940926 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/berlin-to-experience-famous.html In Berlin, Germany this weekend, JDC is giving young Jewish children and their parents a chance to experience a unique and renowned family Shabbat program “imported” from New York’s 92nd Street Y. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-386253802 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/jdcs-moscow-rep-is-a-jewish.html Getting a jump on the upcoming awards season, the Russian Jewish community federation last week named its own top-ranked “celebs” – and JDC Moscow Rep. Alik Nadan won a coveted Person of the Year spot. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-384722202 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/chanukah-programs-brighten.html In Poland and Romania, JDC’s Chanukah activities mix traditional elements with innovative outreach efforts that are attracting people seeking new links to Jewish life. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-384086171 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/bulgarian-president-adds.html In a proud moment for the Jewish community, Bulgaria’s President kindled the first Chanukah light in Sofia’s historic synagogue, inaugurating a week of activities celebrating the Festival of Lights. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-382478996 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/in-israels-southern-border.html Read how one JDC staff member in Israel is helping people in the southern border region cope with the ongoing effects of last month’s crisis, even as she deals with the lingering impact on her own family. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-381794752 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/volunteers-for-good-in-st.html Read how young Jewish leaders in St. Petersburg, Russia promoted opportunities for volunteerism and social engagement by organizing a well-attended Volunteers Fair. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-380233571 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/standing-with-the-jewish.html Read how JDC is helping the Jewish community in Bulgaria join with others to combat hatred, even as it works to strengthen and enrich local Jewish life. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-379834107 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/exploring-jewish-identity.html Read how JDC is working in Shanghai, China to create new Jewish programming for ex-pat Jews looking for meaningful, pluralistic ways to explore and strengthen their Jewish identity. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-377745621 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/jdc-ambassadors-to-gain.html To get an inside view of JDC’s response to crisis in Israel and a global perspective on the development efforts it is pursuing in various corners of the world, register by Wed. Nov. 28th for the JDC Ambassadors Global Symposium, which will be held in NYC on Monday, Dec. 3. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-378033132 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/roles-reversed-once-again.html They say in times of crisis, there are moments that unburden those in the crisis and those who are caring for them. And somewhere between a ceasefire, a terrorist bombing in Tel Aviv, and unrelenting rockets attacks into Israel, in the home of an elderly woman in Ashkelon, that moment came for JDC staffer Rina Edelstein. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-377984407 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/care-for-israels-elderly-in.html With record numbers of rockets hitting residential areas in Israel today, our teams are working non-stop to help the most vulnerable. And although we try and ensure we reach as many people as possible, it’s always important to remember that it’s not about numbers - it’s about each individual life. Meet 83-year-old Shula Carmiel from Moshav Arugot, outside of Kiryat Malakhi in south-central Israel. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-377388788 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/forging-new-ties-at-jdcs.html Journey with Derek Miller to Quito, Ecuador, and read how he connected with the next generation of Jewish leaders at the recently concluded Encuentro—JDC’s Conference for Latin American and Caribbean Jewish Institutions and Community Leaders. Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-377327164 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/helping-israels-disabled.html With two-thirds of Israel’s population now within range of an escalating barrage of rocket attacks from Gaza, read how JDC programs are helping people with disabilities cope with their unique challenges and fear. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-376456817 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/caring-for-families-impacted.html As Shabbat nears in Israel, rockets launched from the Gaza Strip continue to explode in the south and center of the country, with several hitting residential areas in Ashdod and setting off bomb sirens in Tel Aviv (for the first time since the Gulf War in 1991) and in Jerusalem. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-376210390 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/20-years-latera-rescue-comes.html Marking the 20th anniversary of the rescue convoys mounted by JDC during the Siege of Sarajevo, read how JDC’s work in that city continues today. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-375747466 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/new-study-illuminates-the.html Read what the just-released report by Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies reveals about the tremendous need that persists today among large numbers of Jewish elderly in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-374395776 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/indias-jewish-now.html Read how Sam Amiel’s recent visit to the Jewish community in India brought him face-to-face with a promising new generation of young Jewish leaders. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-374146174 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/on-the-ground-in-morocco-with.html Read Michael Novick’s timely report on his visit to Morocco, and the programs and services that JDC is helping the Jewish communities in Casablanca and Marrakech to sustain. Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-373671563 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/turning-the-tables-on-poverty.html Gain insight into JDC’s efforts to ameliorate poverty in Israel, the former Soviet Union, and other parts of the world by learning what JDC professionals on the frontlines of these initiatives reported at the JDC Ambassadors forum held recently in New York. Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-372442525 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/mainstreaming-special-needs.html Read how JDC is working in Moscow to integrate special needs Jewish children into mainstream educational environments and including them and their families in activities that keep them connected to a caring Jewish community. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-370898902 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/broadening-educational.html With educational needs in Muslim countries a focus of attention today in many forums, read how JDC is helping Tunisian Jews provide new opportunities for girls and young women in Djerba, home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities. Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-369278837 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/helping-israelis-with.html Go behind the scenes at a graduation ceremony in Tiberias to learn how JDC and its partners are giving Israelis with disabilities an opportunity to secure rewarding employment as newly minted chefs. Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-369490969 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/creative-programs-outside.html Read JDC senior professional Diego Ornique’s cogent account of JDC’s “JCC without Walls” initiative and the exciting events in alternative venues that are attracting increasing numbers of non-affiliated Jews. Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-368774077 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/working-together-to-help-a.html Meet the people behind JDC’s programs as staff member Dov Ben-Shimon takes you on a home visit to one of thousands of needy children and families benefiting today from the critical assistance made possible by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews/JDC Partnership for Children in the Former Soviet Union. Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-366509762 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/a-home-visit-in-georgia.html See how difficult life can be for the people behind the program statistics as JDC staffer Zhanna Veyts visits a struggling family in Tbilisi, Georgia, that JDC is helping to support. Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-366505383 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/georgias-economic-upswing.html With all eyes on Georgia following its recent parliamentary elections, JDC staff member Zhanna Veyts puts the country’s economic upswing in perspective as she describes the hardships experienced by pensioners, single-income families living below the poverty line, and the country’s many unemployed older adults. Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-366452508 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/racing-toward-breast-cancer.html Breast Cancer Awareness Month has only just begun, but JDC’s Women’s Health Empowerment Program is already in high gear. Just back from the 5th Annual Race for the Cure that took place in Sarajevo last weekend, a senior JDC professional recounts the inspiration he drew from the enthusiastic participants at this national event. Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-365059755 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/young-jewish-adults-in-india.html Learn how a snake show and a water buffalo ride are helping Salome Abraham to expand JDC’s outreach to young Jewish adults in India—an age group vital to the future of this small but active Jewish community. Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-364505380 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/a-bittersweet-return.html Read how JDC is helping to support some of the world’s poorest Jews, as staff member Zhanna Veyts takes you along on a home visit in Kiev, Ukraine. Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-364300870 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/rosh-hashanah-in-ukraine-a.html Returning to Ukraine 24 years after immigrating to the United States, JDC staff member Zhanna Veyts saw this year’s Rosh Hashanah celebration in Kiev through her father’s eyes—and her own. Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-363062075 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/being-jewish-is-a-party.html Read how JDC brought the Jewish New Year to life in Buenos Aires with its latest edition of Urban Rosh Hashanah, a street festival that draws tens of thousands of people of all ages for a fun-filled exploration of Jewish holiday customs. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-361372003 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/an-inspirational-tale-for-the.html In the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, see how I. L. Peretz’ classic tale of the rabbi of Nemirov’s charitable deeds in 19th century Ukraine inspires JDC’s efforts to bring help and hope today to some of the world’s poorest Jews. And please accept our best wishes for a sweet, meaningful, and productive 5773. Shanah tova u’metuka! Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-361137090 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/bringing-a-sweeter-new-year.html To combat ongoing economic hardship in Belarus, over 4,200 at-risk Jewish children and their families received essential support from us last year. See how Rosh Hashanah activities, portrayed in this slideshow, helped strengthen these children’s ties to the Jewish community—and let their families enjoy a sweeter New Year. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-360121719 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/jdc-entwine-young.html Rather than spending the Labor Day weekend at a local beach, JDC Entwine young professionals opted instead for a unique opportunity to gain an insiders’ view of Jewish Cuba. Read how their five-day trip gave the participants exclusive insight into the incredible rebirth of Jewish life that JDC helped facilitate in this island nation. Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-359285727 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/helping-jews-in-ukraine-find.html With labor statistics dominating the U.S. headlines at the close of every month, and unemployment a critical issue for many overseas Jewish communities, see what JDC and its partners are doing to help Jews in Ukraine overcome the dearth of local employment opportunities, especially in smaller, peripheral areas. Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-359250208 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/jdc-helps-bring-israeli-eye.html Recently JDC, together with the Israeli Foreign Ministry's MASHAV Foreign Assistance program, co-sponsored a medical humanitarian mission to Kyrgyzstan organized by Eye from Zion, a volunteer-based Israeli medical organization that provides surgery and training in ophthalmology to the developing world. Sam Amiel, a senior JDC staffer who accompanied this mission, captures the importance of Eye from Zion’s work in his field report. Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-356647645 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/combatting-childhood-obesity.html Nearly every day brings a story about the prevalence of childhood obesity, here in the States and in much of the developed world. Read how JDC is helping Israel combat this epidemic and promote healthful living habits, especially among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-356644514 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/new-schools-and-water-wells.html With children here about to head back to school, see how life has been changing for schoolchildren in Ethiopia’s Gondar region and for other villagers who are benefiting from JDC’s rural development projects. Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-356189127 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/young-indian-jews-train-as.html The Summer Olympics in London may be over, but Team India is just getting started. Meet five young Jewish adults from India whom JDC is equipping to be social entrepreneurs to engage more of their peers in Jewish community life. Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-355429816 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/jews-in-crdoba-argentina.html As winter weather prevails in much of the Southern Hemisphere, a blanket-making project supported by the local Jewish community in Córdoba, Argentina is helping to keep needy neighbors warm. Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-354786228 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/jews-in-morocco-donate-blood.html Jews in Morocco respond to a call for blood donors during the month of Ramadan, helping to ensure an adequate national blood supply at a time when their fasting Muslim neighbors cannot contribute. Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-354057545 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/israeli-trauma-counseling.html Read about the latest visit to Japan by Israeli experts who, with JDC’s help, have brought their trauma counseling techniques to children and families displaced by the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis. Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-354999110 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/promoting-womens-health-in.html Proceeds from the upcoming JDC-Komen Race for the Cure in Sarajevo will provide free mammograms to underserved women and post-surgery health kits. Read how JDC Ambassadors will take part in the late September Race, and see how JDC’s Women’s Health Empowerment Program is turning the tables on breast cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-352541258 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/hip-hop-in-moldova-as-next.html Even as half of Moldova’s Jews are suffering significant economic hardship, JDC staffer Flo Low’s three-part field account shows how JDC and its partners are aiding the community, and ensuring Jewish life can thrive in Kishinev and beyond. Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-352020998 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/building-a-jewish-home-in.html Even as half of Moldova’s Jews are suffering significant economic hardship, JDC staffer Flo Low’s three-part field account shows how JDC and its partners are aiding the community, and ensuring Jewish life can thrive in Kishinev and beyond. Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-351815889 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/a-home-visit-in-kishinev.html Even as half of Moldova’s Jews are suffering significant economic hardship, JDC staffer Flo Low’s three-part field account shows how JDC and its partners are aiding the community, and ensuring Jewish life can thrive in Kishinev and beyond. Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-350691941 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/dont-cry-in-haiti-part-3-of.html “It is hard to describe the scenes of desolation we encountered…” Read Vered Schimmel-Lifschitz's eyewitness report from Haiti and the on-the-ground recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-350687760 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/dont-cry-in-haiti-part-2-of.html “It is hard to describe the scenes of desolation we encountered…” Read Vered Schimmel-Lifschitz's eyewitness report from Haiti and the on-the-ground recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-350679992 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2012/dont-cry-in-haiti-part-1-of.html “It is hard to describe the scenes of desolation we encountered…” Read Vered Schimmel-Lifschitz's eyewitness report from Haiti and the on-the-ground recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324614229 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/for-a-friend-in-need.html When you see a friend struggling, it’s hard not to lend a helping hand. That’s why when JDC staff got an alarmed call from Tiszabura, an extremely poor village in north-east Hungary where JDC’s Women’s Health Empowerment Program has operated in the past, they just couldn’t sit by and wait. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-324612325 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/song-and-learning-bring.html What’s the sound of 300 Belarusian Jews singing a Yiddish song? The participants of the recent JDC-supported 4th Minsk Havruta found out firsthand when they showed up for a study session with fluent Yiddish speaker and informal education specialist Motl Gordon. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-324610453 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/where-east-meets-westinside.html On Wednesday, August 10, 175 young Jewish professionals came together in Manhattan for JDC Dimensions Presents: Where East Meets West – Inside Jewish Turkey , an in-depth look at the Jewish community of Turkey, featuring young, authentic voices from Istanbul and İzmir. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324607941 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/israeli-medical-team-gives.html When the startling earthquake shook Haiti last January, Luciano L., 8, was on the first floor of his family’s house, playing with his older brother. As the home collapsed, one of the large walls fell on him, crushing his right arm. The injury was so severe that his arm needed to be amputated, and while he received proper treatment and was lovingly cared for by his parents, he was distraught. When his parents heard that the physiotherapy team at the Tel Hashomer/JDC/MDA rehabilitation center at Haiti State University Hospital (HUEH) were fitting for prosthetic arms—a rare find—they rushed to get Luciano on the list. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324606625 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/thousands-of-haredi-flock-to.html This weekend over 4,000 ultra-Orthodox Israelis attended the Jerusalem employment fair JDC coordinated in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Labor, Trade, and Industry. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324604952 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/media-spotlight-on-jdcs.html We’re excited to share that JDC got a shout out in the media for reaching Jews living in some of the furthest corners of the globe. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324600203 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/a-blind-man-looking-deeper.html What would it be like to be a minority within a minority in Israel? Abbass Abbass, a legally blind Israeli Arab, knows firsthand—but he prefers to characterize himself as a person with unique abilities rather than “disabled.” And that perspective and indefatigable spirit led him to found Al-Manarah (Lighthouse) Association to improve the lives Arabs with disabilities in Israel. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324597095 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/battling-disease-battling.html This week the Decade of Roma Inclusion initiative gives JDC a shout-out for its Campaign to Give Roma an Equal Chance Against Cancer in Hungary. Through its Women’s Health Empowerment Program, JDC, in partnership with the Open Society Roma Initiatives and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, has put on 40 health days throughout the country since 2007 and provided over 4,500 underprivileged women (60% of them Roma) with breast cancer screenings. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324593724 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/jdc-israel-team-swaps.html Our hats off to the JDC delegation of Israeli experts and government officials serving the disabled who visited New York City and Boston last week to meet with their American counterparts and tour local facilities and programs. The visit was an outreach effort of Israel Unlimited, a pioneering partnership of JDC, the Ruderman Family Foundation, and the Government of Israel to meet the needs of Israel’s 700,000 disabled adults and improve their ability to live independently and integrate into Israeli society. Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324588584 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/its-showtime-theatre-for.html While quake-shattered Haiti still has many challenges ahead, the road to recovery has already been speckled with creative initiatives to help mend the lives of those affected by the disaster. With JDC support, members of the Bond Street Theatre (BST) company recently traveled to Port-au-Princeto develop the Theatre for Social Development: Haiti program. BST’s unique model, specializing in non-verbal street performances, has garnered social improvement and positively impacted the well-being and life skills of children and in crisis-hit communities in South America, Israel, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, and beyond. We’re proud to say that JDC has previously supported BST’s work in the Balkans! Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324585227 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/calling-young-professionals.html We’re thrilled to highlight three unique young professionals study, service, and travel opportunities with JDC. One might be right for you! Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324578280 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/jointnik-uncovers-roots-on.html We’re thrilled for current Jointnik and former JDC Jewish Service Corps Fellow Gila Ward Menda, who logged on to JDC’s recently launched Our Shared Legacy site to discover a piece of her own family history. The site allows visitors to search a database of over 500,000 names and photos from 14 countries where JDC worked to help Jews in need during and following World War II. Gila intuited that the newly accessible trove might hold records of her grandfather’s experience during the Holocaust or his voyage to America. Find out what she uncovered on the JDC: In Service blog. And explore Our Shared Legacy for yourself to see if a piece of your family story might be just a mouse click away. Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324572689 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/history-meets-technology.html For the first time in its history, JDC has made its incredible collection of historic records and photographs from the Holocaust period available online on its Shared Legacy website. Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324572271 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/teen-seder-in-tallinn.html It may be Next Year in Jerusalem but this year, a not-to-miss seder graced Tallinn, Estonia. Esther Burson, the JDC Jewish Service Corps Fellow serving that community, brought together local teen volunteers and her JSC Fellow peers from Argentina and Israel for a unique yet traditional Pesach celebration. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324571703 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/new-jcc-in-kharkov-shines.html When communism fell and the Soviet Union broke apart, Kharkov’s Jewish community was faced with the huge challenge of finding all of its members scattered and hidden by decades of anti-semitism. No one could have imagined 20 years later there would be a community 40,000-strong and in need of a new JCC to serve its thriving membership. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324571184 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/giving-the-gift-of-sight-in.html It’s been said that vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. And recently we teamed up with the Israeli humanitarian organization Eye From Zion and MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, to actualize just that. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324568806 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/honoring-a-woman-of-valor-in.html On the heels of International Women’s day we tip our hats to Marisa in Argentina for being a woman of remarkable strength and loving-kindness. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 www.jdc.org-324568273 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/now-accepting-applications.html If you’re a young Jewish adult interested in a life-changing overseas service experience, we’ve got news for you! Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 www.jdc.org-324567360 http://www.jdc.org/jdc-field-blog/2011/apply-now-for-jdcs-2011-2012.html ’Tis the season! We’re excited to announce that JDC is now accepting applications for its 2011-2012 Jewish Service Corps (JSC) through March 15, 2011. This unparalleled fellowship is a year-long, paid, professional opportunity for recent college graduates and young professionals to directly engage with JDC’s global mission and to turn the Jewish value of responsibility into action through international service. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600