United Jewish Communities  (supporting programs through the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Joint Distribution Committee) (November 2008)

The dollars provided by the Federation system to United Jewish Communities (formerly UJA) through your annual campaign pledge, allows the needs of Jews in Israel and around the world to be addressed, most often through our partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Joint Distribution Committee (which works in countries other than Israel).  A wide range of programs and services are funded in this way.

Since the beginning of 2007 the dollar has continued to decline in value compared to currencies in Israel, the Former Soviet Union, and Europe. In Israel, the dollar value vis-à-vis the shekel has declined by some 23.4% over the past two years. In addition, rising inflation, most notably in Europe and the FSU, has resulted in increased costs for goods and services, causing an even graver situation in these areas. For example, the combined loss due to inflation and the ongoing devaluation of the dollar has caused an approximate 16% loss against the ruble and a 30% loss against the euro in terms of overall purchasing power.

The combination of currency losses and higher costs due to inflation mean that the dollar-based budgets of our partner agencies overseas have lost considerable value. Because these losses are not matched by new income, the Jewish Agency and the Joint Distribution Committee have been severely impacted as follows:

• Two absorption centers were closed in 2008 and it probably will be necessary to close additional absorption centers in 2009.
• The cost of each day for a child in a FSU summer camp has increased by 62%.
• The annual shekel budget for youth villages has decreased by 30%. This has resulted in more at risk children in each class and much less individual assistance and cultural activities for these children.
• The activity budget for the Youth Futures program (children and youth at risk in Israel's periphery) has decreased by 25%.
• In Israel: reduction of enrichment programs for Ethiopian Israeli pre-schoolers and their families; and sharp cuts in employment readiness programs for Ethiopian and Caucasian Israelis.
• In the FSU: reduction of elderly client loans by 15% (188,000 clients today, down from 220,000 in 2006); 45% in number of clients receiving winter relief; and 39% cut in clients receiving loans of medical equipment.
• Eastern Europe: value of food vouchers has decreased by over 20%; frequency and length of homecare for the elderly, most of whom are Holocaust survivors, has decreased.

Now is the time to demonstrate our continuing commitment to our brothers and sisters in need  in Israel and around the world. Please make your annual Jewish Federation gift today.
 
Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren, 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807  (908) 725-6994 x 202

Yemin Orde (September 2008)

Yemin Orde Wingate Youth Village, which is home to more than 500 immigrant, disadvantaged and at-risk children and youth from 20 countries around the world. Located just south of Haifa in the Carmel Mountains, Yemin Orde is both a home and school environment. The success of the Village in integrating children from diverse cultures and back-grounds, cultivating their self-esteem, and building leadership through innovative educational and community outreach programs has attracted widespread acclaim from within and outside Israel.

Yemin Orde is particularly known for its work with the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel. Yemin Orde also helps develop effective new programs at other residential facilities for youth at risk, including Kedma Youth Village, Talpiot Children’s Village, and Ashalim Children's Home.

Please make your gift to The Jewish Federation by calling (908) 725-6994 x238 or mailing to:

The Jewish Federation
775 Talamini Road
Bridgewater, N.J. 08807