JDC (The Joint)

With northern Israel under constant rocket attacks, yesterday JDC distributed an additional 40 pallets of lifesaving medical equipment, including advanced life support EMS kits and stretchers, to 37 northern municipalities thanks to the support of Jewish Federations of North America. This effort, part of JDC’s wide-ranging post-October 7 emergency response to aid hundreds of thousands of the hardest-hit Israelis, builds on the more than 370,250 medical supplies JDC has delivered to communities, hospitals, and first-responder groups throughout Israel since the war began.

Six months before Sukkot began, Rachael Houser felt the spirit of this holiday on a JDC Entwine-Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion trip to Buenos Aires.

Mazel tov to the JDC-supported JCC Solomonika for celebrating 10 years of serving the Jewish community of Dnipro, Ukraine! Last month, the center welcomed about 150 guests to celebrate its milestone with delectable treats, a captivating light show illustrating its rich history, a photo booth, and live musical performances. Throughout its history, the JCC has spearheaded numerous impactful projects and programs. In 2022, with the start of the Ukraine crisis, a trauma support center was established, which has served more than 550 people in need. A year later, the JCC Solomonika team launched the “Jewish Life” project, which integrated refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants into the Dnipro Jewish community — engaging more than 1,000 people through innovative initiatives. In 2024, the center hosted more than90 events and introduced a significant project focused on developing women's leadership, empowering over 500 Jewish women in Dnipro. “What we are most proud of is our unwavering resilience in the face of challenges,” said Vadim F., the head of JCC Solomonika. “Throughout the crisis in Ukraine, our team has remained steadfast, keeping the center open every single day. We have strived to provide a place where people can find support, share joy, and form new connections. JCC Solomonika is where children grow and flourish, where their ideas come to life, and where they become part of a vibrant Jewish community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on this day and eagerly anticipate many more wonderful years together."

JDC's JOINTECH program — which uses smartphones to connect isolated, elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union, among other initiatives that innovate care by leveraging technology — ensured that everyone in the Ukrainian Jewish community had the chance to celebrate the High Holidays through virtual programming. More than 700 participants from around the country heard the blowing of the shofar, discussed the meaning of the holidays, and heard from special guests like Rabbi Meir Stambler, the chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine. “Despite my poor health, the virtual programs helped me feel the joy of this special time of year,” said Eva R., a participant from Uzhhorod. “After all, due to illness, I haven’t left the house for a long time, and somehow, magically, this program brought the High Holidays to my home. Thank you!”

We are proud that our work to aid the most vulnerable Israelis was recently featured in an editorial from Washington Jewish Week about the severe trauma caused by the war on all parts of Israeli society. “We applaud the continuing life-enriching work of JDC and marvel at its accomplishments,” the article states. “JDC has, once again, stepped in to provide social service relief in a process that, by design, paves the way for government involvement in the best traditions of the public-private partnership that is so vital for communal life generally, and uniquely effective in Israel.”

Anna B. first visited the JDC-supported JCC Migdal in Odesa, Ukraine, 30 years ago and quickly became an active participant. After the start of the Ukraine crisis, she and her family fled Odesa and eventually settled in the United Kingdom. Now, she shares her journey of returning to the JCC Migdal communtiy to attend a family retreat in Moldova, where she reconnected with her fellow Ukrainian Jews and further deepened her passion for Jewish traditions and identity.

This Rosh Hashanah, JDC distributed 23,000 holiday food packages, including apples and honey, across Ukraine — an initiative organized with the generous support of Life at the Jewish Federations of North America, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the Claims Conference, and other partners. Additionally, we supported festive activities for thousands of Ukrainian Jews at Hesed social welfare centers. Here are just a few highlights: — In Kharkiv, JCC Beit Dan and Hesed Shaare Tikva offered diverse holiday programming for all ages, featuring challah baking, apple and honey tastings, educational games, and chocolate-making workshops. — In Mykolaiv, JCC NOEK brought together more than 35 seniors to celebrate Rosh Hashanah at an in-person retreat, sharing hopes for peace, health, and prosperity in the new year and offering prayers for Ukraine and Israel. — In Odesa, elderly community members at Hesed Shaarei Zion took part in a cooking class, learning to prepare tomatoes stuffed with mushrooms, shallots, and goat cheese. — In Kryvyi Rih, 15 elderly Jews enjoyed the meaningful tradition of shofar blowing and reminiscing about their favorite childhood Rosh Hashanah memories at Hesed Hana. — In Sumy, volunteers from Hesed Haim organized Rosh Hashanah-themed art classes for local families, fostering creativity and connection in the holiday spirit. — In Poltava, Jewish community members of all ages from Hesed Nefesh played festive games and attended educational lectures. — In Dnipro, Hesed Menahem offered virtual activities such as card-making for the new year and a cooking class. We wish everyone in Ukraine and across the world a peaceful and joyful new year!

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, and in Israel, addressing declining mental health for the most vulnerable people is one of our top priorities. "Or Rishon" (First Light) is one of our innovative programs that significantly improves the ability to detect stress in government employees, raise awareness of mental health issues, and strengthen community resilience across Israel. This program is a collaboration between JDC, through the resilience and mental health department of Israel Unlimited (our initiative focusing on Israelis with disabilities), and the Mifrasim Institute at The Academic College of Tel-Aviv, Yaffo. To date, 300 people have participated in the program. The "Nafshi" portal, launched in February, responds to the increasing demand for mental health services. This unique platform offers more than 400 personalized mental health services, including educational content, helplines, and free digital self-help tools. Over 150,000 visits have been recorded so far, reflecting the growing need for accessible mental health services. In collaboration with Dugri, Inc., we also launched an app offering emotional support for families of reservists and active-duty military personnel. The app provides a 24/7 platform for people to share their struggles in an anonymous and judgment-free space. With 400 active users, the app helps families navigate shared challenges. JDC is committed to providing accessible, diverse mental health solutions. We aim to offer swift, effective support for millions of Israelis.

JDC’s JOINTECH Talent program offers bright, interactive holiday e-cards, video and design materials made by members of the Jewish community in Ukraine — just look at these creations designed for Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot!   JOINTECH Talent is a global online employment platform designed to combat poverty and displacement through innovative solutions. We connect professional members of the Ukrainian Jewish community with remote job opportunities, enabling businesses to access the talent they need to succeed.   Learn more about this impactful program: https://lnkd.in/ercsG2-P

Pregnancy can be challenging in peacetime, but for many expectant mothers in Israel, the pain and trauma that have characterized life post-October 7th can make it feel nearly impossible. To help alleviate some of this stress and foster a sense of community, JDC is offering prenatal classes for displaced women in Israel. These sessions — which also reach the partners of reservists — provide essential guidance and emotional support, offering a safe space for mothers-to-be to connect, share experiences, and prepare for childbirth together. “I feel focused. I feel calmer. I know what I’m heading into,” says Hadar Elmakayes, a pregnant evacuee from Kiryat Shmona who participates in the program. “Each one of us shares what she’s going through, and it unites us and lifts our spirits. Each one with her own story — it’s like a support group, and it really helps.”