Finding Your Jewish Experience with the American Joint Distribution Committee

By Mariam Shpeen Feist, Chief Executive Offi cer, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

The American Joint Distribution Committee often referred to as JDC or lovingly as “the Joint” is one of our Federation’s overseas partners. Founded more than 100 years ago, the JDC is the leading global Jewish humanitarian organization, rescuing Jews in danger, providing aid to vulnerable Jews, developing innovative solutions to Israel’s most complex social challenges, cultivating a Jewish future, and leading the Jewish community’s response to global crises. It is with our support, and support of Jewish Federations throughout North America that enables the JDC to have such a transformational impact in our Jewish world.

On Federation Missions, from Israel to Argentina; Morocco to Prague, and more than 50 other countries, participants have visited JDC run programs such as Camp Szarvas in Hungary, Moishe House in Prague, Community Centers in the Former Soviet Union (FSU), and vocational service programs for Haredi Jews in Israel. Mission participants have left enduring impressions which have encouraged them to increase their own fi nancial support to our Federation’s annual campaign, and to be a strong advocate for Federation’s continued support of our overseas partners, Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), World ORT, and the JDC.

But if you are a young adult, you don’t need a Federation Mission to learn more about the JDC and fi nd your Jewish Experience through JDC. There are two amazing opportunities to immerse yourself in the work of JDC.

Insider Connections: Global Virtual Service is an opportunity to virtually engage in service with a community member in need. JDC Entwine volunteers have unique access to help meet the social needs of JDC aid recipients across the FSU, Israel and beyond, including the elderly and teens in the community. You can make an impact by committing one to three hours weekly for one to three months. Knowledge of Hebrew or Russian is a plus! Engage in meaningful service that keeps you and a JDC client connected to our global Jewish community. The JDC Entwine Global Jewish Service Corps Fellowship (JSC) off ers young Jews the opportunity to directly engage with JDC’s global mission while actively fulfi lling the value of global Jewish responsibility. Volunteer overseas in a year-long, paid fellowship. Invest in developing Jewish and non-Jewish communities around the world and in your own leadership development – all through a Jewish lens.

If you or someone you know are interested in either of these experiences, please contact the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida at (904) 44�-5000 or email info@jewishjacksonville.org.