Jewish Community Partners works hard to maintain a high level of support for Israel and all Jewish communities across the globe. When working in communities overseas, we rely on strong partnerships with other agencies- The Joint Distribution Committee, The Jewish Agency for Israel, the Ethiopian National Project, and World ORT.
Today we’ll highlight a few short but inspiring stories about the important work being done by our tireless overseas partners.
Supporting a Hero in Need
When he was just 16, Gregory Margolin joined the Red Army in Ukraine as his family fled the Nazis. When, at 86, a rebel missile destroyed his house in eastern Ukraine and killed his daughter, he knew his family had to flee again—this time, to safety in Israel.
Since fighting broke out in Ukraine in 2014, thousands of Jews have made aliyah with the assistance of Federation partner The Jewish Agency for Israel. From providing pre-aliyah counseling and securing travel arrangements in Ukraine to temporary housing, Hebrew lessons, and social services once in Israel, The Jewish Agency helped ease the elderly veteran’s delicate transition every step of the way.
Gregory and his family now live in safety with his niece’s family in Ramla. Thanks to Federation, they and so many other Jews affected by conflict now live in safety, comfort, and dignity.
Spearheading Jewish Life in a Millennia-Old Community
Of the 1,500 languages spoken in India, there is not one word for anti-Semitism.
That’s one of Nissim Pingle’s favorite facts about Jewish life in India— a 2,000-year legacy and a 4,500-strong community. Inspired by his chazzan father, young Nissim joined Federation partner JDC’s Jewish Youth Pioneers program in Mumbai, where he also met his future wife. Together, they attended JDC’s Szarvas summer camp in Hungary, where he realized he wanted to dedicate his life to Jewish community.
Now, Nissim is the senior manager of the Evelyn Peters JCC in Mumbai, a community hub sponsored by JDC. His two children attend Sunday school every week. And in 2013, he helped launch Limmud India, convening Jews from across the country for a day of learning.
“JDC ensures that the community I love and the values that guide it will be here for my children—and one day, their children,” he says.
Educating a Science Whiz in Mexico City
Alberto Buzali Berner is one of Mexico City’s most accomplished young engineers. He’s an award-winning innovator in robotics. He’s also helped implement a biodiesel program that fuels local school buses.
And he just turned 18.
“Since I was a child, I’ve liked technology,” Alberto says. And his school, Colegio Israelita de México (CIM-ORT), run by Federation partner World ORT, has provided the perfect environment for this scientist to explore his passions.
A project-based curriculum ensures that every CIM-ORT student— from kindergarten through 12th grade—gets their hands dirty solving real-world problems. In addition to his science breakthroughs, Alberto has also helped create a student-run Holocaust museum and produce short films.
Now a high school senior, he has some big college decisions on the horizon. But with his love for new possibilities buoyed by CIM-ORT, Alberto can’t wait to see what happens next.
Leading a Jewish Revolution in Cuba
When the Cuban government eased religious restrictions in 1991, Federation partner JDC swept in to help the small remaining Jewish community fuel a revival. In Havana, they found eight-year-old Monica del Pino ready and waiting.
Monica immediately enrolled in the city’s new Sunday school, which JDC helped open. Other Federation-supported programs were there for her at each step: Maccabi Cuba Youth Organization camps and training programs, a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip, and, her favorite, Israeli folk dancing.
Now married with a three-year old daughter, 34-year-old Monica’s involvement with Cuban Jewry has deepened. In addition to attending countless activities, she runs the Jewish library, assists the community president and supports smaller Jewish communities in central and eastern provinces. And she’s excited to see what comes next for the 1,400-strong population.
“JDC’s assistance has been vital for the existence of Judaism here,” she says. “And it keeps us optimistic about our future.”
