November 17, 2008

JDC Ambassadors Global Symposium To Be Held in New York

NEW YORK, NY, December 8-9, 2008 — The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which for over 90 years has worked to fulfill its mission of serving the needs of Jews and Jewish communities around the world, announces the official inauguration of the JDC Ambassadors Circle with the JDC Ambassadors Circle Global Symposium, to be held in New York City on December 8-9, 2008.

The JDC Ambassadors Circle is a new global forum for connecting philanthropists who are caring, committed supporters of JDC’s mission of Rescue, Relief and Renewal of Jewish community life in Israel and around the world. This unique Global Symposium is an exclusive briefing opportunity on the status of Jewish communities and JDC’s work around the world.

The event will begin with a special dinner featuring Steven Schwager, Executive Vice President and CEO of JDC on the evening of December 8, followed by a day of high-powered briefings and discussions with JDC’s top professionals from around the world on December 9.

Confirmed speakers include:

Judy Amit, Chief Operating Officer of Program and Budget – Judy will discuss JDC’s current programming and priorities for the Jewish world.

Amos Avgar, Executive Director, JDC International Development Program – Amos, Director of JDC’s non-sectarian arm, will lead a discussion of JDC’s humanitarian work abroad with emphasis on the situation in Myanmar, China and Pakistan.

Shauli Dritter, Director of Field Operations, JDC-FSU – Shauli, who was on the ground in Georgia when hostilities broke out with Russia this past August, will share his incredible story of rescue and relief for Jews caught in the crossfire.

Zvi Feine, Director, JDC Programs in Africa and Asia – Zvi will discuss current programming strategies and the future of Jewish communities in North Africa and Asia.

Asher Ostrin, Executive Director of FSU Programs – Asher will give an overview of JDC’s work in the Former Soviet Union with an emphasis on the situation in Georgia and JDC’s response.

Will Recant, Assistant Executive Vice President – Will will present an overview of JDC’s mission and work in over 70 countries around the world.

Alberto Senderey, General Director, JDC Programs in Europe and Latin America – Alberto will discuss the future of Jewish community life in Europe.

Amir Shaviv, Assistant Executive Vice President for Special Operations – Amir will share some insight into JDC’s work in the area of rescue.

Yossi Tamir, Director of Tevet - JDC's Employment Initiative in Israel – Yossi will lead a discussion of poverty in Israel and JDC’s response, working with Israel’s most vulnerable populations.

Participants will also enjoy lunch with several of JDC’s country directors from various regions around the world including:

Oksana Galkevich, JDC Representative, Kharkov, Ukraine

Antony Korenstein, Director of Operations, India

Zoya Shvartzman, Field Manager for Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Former Yugoslav Republics

Andres Spokoiny, Area Director for Poland and the Baltic States


Couvert: $150 per person

For more information, please contact Rachel Rosenthal at ambassadors@jdc.org or (212) 885-0876.

November 7, 2008

JDC Ambassadors Circle Global Symposium

An exclusive briefing opportunity on the status of Jewish communities and JDC’s work around the world

December 8-9, 2008 – New York City

Learn About:
  • Israel Today: Working in partnership to provide dignity, care and hope for Israel’s future
  • Jews in the Former Soviet Union: Assisting the world’s poorest Jews and ensuring a Jewish future for all
  • Georgia/South Ossetia: Dramatic rescue and relief efforts for those caught in the crossfire
  • Next Generation of Jewish Community Life: Where we stand today and what we hope for tomorrow
  • Myanmar and China: JDC’s humanitarian non-sectarian work

The Program Includes:
December 8: Dinner with Steve Schwager, CEO and Executive Vice President of JDC
December 9: A full day of briefings
Breakfast and Lunch provided

Couvert: $150 per person**

** The cost of meals and program-related expenses provided in this symposium are not tax-deductible in order to ensure that the needs of those we serve are met to the fullest. JDC prides itself on the efficient and ethical allocation of charitable donations in fulfilling our mission.

RSVP to Rachel Rosenthal at (212) 885-0876 or email ambassadors@jdc.org

November 4, 2008

JDC Responds to the Earthquake in Pakistan

NEW YORK, NY, October 30, 2008—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 the 6.5-magnitude earthquake which struck southwest Pakistan yesterday morning. The earthquake has left hundreds dead and thousands homeless and JDC will be working with the International Blue Crescent—a partner in JDC’s efforts following the 2005 Pakistani earthquake—to deliver immediate relief supplies to the hardest-hit areas. The efforts are part of JDC’s International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance for natural and manmade disasters.

"Thanks to our strong partnerships in the region and around the world, JDC is well-positioned to respond quickly to the needs of the victims of this disaster. It is our long-standing mission to provide as much help as possible for people whose lives have been suddenly devastated, be it by supplying food, medicines, and blankets or rebuilding schools and homes," said Steve Schwager, Chief Executive Officer, JDC.

JDC and its partners worldwide have implemented similar relief efforts and continue to operate programs designed to rebuild infrastructure and community life in regions that have experienced natural and manmade disasters. Recently mobilizing to aid victims of the conflict in Georgia, JDC was among the first humanitarian aid organizations on the ground providing basic necessities and helping evacuate Jews from the war zone. In May of this year, JDC entered Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta to immediately provide water, food, and medical supplies to victims of Cyclone Nargis. JDC has since partnered with local NGOs to rebuild the affected region’s schools and homes.

To Make a Contribution to Assist Pakistan Earthquake Victims:
Online: http://www.jdc.org/
By Phone: 212-687-6200
By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Pakistan Earthquake Relief
P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

JDC's non-sectarian programs are funded by the generous donations of individuals and foundations; UJC/Federation annual campaigns are not used for JDC non-sectarian activities.