Together, we build new generations of leaders capable of taking on tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the future of Jewish life. This means giving Jews from Minsk to Mumbai pathways to express their Jewish identity and encouraging grassroots efforts that welcome Jews of all ages and backgrounds to claim their stake in — and shape — the Jewish future. We do this by working hand-in-hand with communities around the world, empowering them to realize their own dreams and care for their most vulnerable.

Our global Jewish service program, where young volunteers support their fellow Jews and others in need, is the largest in the world — and growing. We are building new generations of lay and professional leaders who are poised to take on the challenges of tomorrow and inspired to act on the value of global Jewish responsibility. Living Jewish values is how we sustain Jewish life today and for tomorrow.

Strong community has proven particularly vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a source of care, a safeguard against isolation, and as a powerful tool for sharing knowledge and resources. Facing lockdowns, Jewish communities from Cuba to Poland and Moldova to Morocco quickly found innovative ways to support and engage their members — a testament to their ingenuity and to JDC’s support and ongoing investment in strengthening Jewish communities’ leadership and resilience worldwide.

We cultivate a Jewish future, because the Jewish part of Jewish life is worth fighting for.

25,000+

alumni of Szarvas, the JDC-Lauder international Jewish summer camp in Hungary

Our Work in Action

Own the Future: Active Jewish Teens

In partnership with BBYO, Active Jewish Teens (AJT) is JDC’s leadership program …

Camp Szarvas: Building the Jewish Future

Camp Szarvas in Szarvas, Hungary, is the largest international Jewish summer cam …

I Never Knew I Was Jewish: Eva’s Story

Eva Stupka, an Active Jewish Teens (AJT) co-president in Chisinau, Moldova, talk …

Empowering Jewish Leaders

When we invest in tomorrow’s Jewish leaders, we invest in a bright Jewish future. That’s why we develop programs fostering Jewish identity and responsibility around the world, including Active Jewish Teens (AJT), a partnership with BBYO and Genesis Philanthropy Group, which provides thousands of Jewish teens in the former Soviet Union with a platform to strengthen their identities and serve their communities. In Europe, we coordinate Junction, a program that helps young Jewish professionals realize their potential through networking, training, and creative grants for grassroots initiatives strengthening Jewish life and community.

Feature from the Field

In Tunisia, Opening a World of Opportunities for Girls

For the past 14 years, the JDC-supported Kanfei Yonah school in Djerba, Tunisia, has given young girls and women access to education.

Coming Together to Build Hungary’s Jewish Future

JDC’s Mozaik Hub in Budapest, Hungary, is a coworking space that offers professional development and networking opportunities for young Jewish professionals.

Pioneering Volunteerism Across Three Generations

At JDC’s Volunteer Center in Kherson, Ukraine, dedicated volunteers run educational programs, fitness classes, and keep the the homebound elderly company.

Meeting the Moment, Young Professionals Give Back

During pandemic isolation, JDC Entwine brought people together through its virtual Giving Circles, an opportunity to gather and pool charitable contributions.

JDC Voices Blog

Our Other Work