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The Joint Distribution
Committee

For most of the 20th century, through war
and natural disaster, the American Jewish
Joint Distribution Committee has sought to
relieve hardship for millions of people in
peril. This organization formed 85 years ago
to assist Jews in Europe and the former
Palestine. Now the JDC reaches out compas-
sionately with food and medical supplies
wherever help is needed.

But the JDC also has a mission of spiritual res-
cue. In the decimated Jewish communities of
Eastern Europe, in the former Soviet Union
and elsewhere, the JDC not only cares for
the hungry and sick, but is inspiring a reli-
gious and cultural renaissance. The JDC has
brought about day schools, community cen-
ters and old age homes to shore up the
remaining Jewish population.

What do these activities have to do with
Jews in Detroit? As a major overseas benefici-
ary of your gift to Federation's Annual
Campaign, the JDC connects each of us to

Jewish people everywhere. The results can be
unbelievably gratifying.

This past December, young leaders from
Michigan and Israel's Central Galillee visited
the Ukraine as part of a Partnership 2000
project, and were heartened by the Jewish
renewal they witnessed in Kiev and environs.
The visitors were touched by the manner in
which these Jews from the former Soviet
Union have not only survived but continue to
thrive — because of the assistance of Hesed
Avot, a JDC-supported service organization.

Our tradition teaches that Jews are responsi-
ble for one another. Saving and renewing
lives through Federation's Annual Campaign is
one way for all of us to repair the world.
Sounds like a tall order. But to Federation and
the Joint Distribution Committee, tikkun olam
is all in a day's work.

Visit us on the Web:-www.thisisfederation.org

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