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Special Advertising Section
It’s been said that where resources meet needs there is responsibility. As Jews we know this to be true. Tzedakah is not viewed as a heroic act in Judaism—it’s something you do because you should, because it’s the right thing to do. Because you can. In this unprecedented time of economic crisis, fear and even scandal, it’s easy to throw up our hands in despair and say we can’t possibly make a difference. But it is precisely during times such as these that our cumulative small actions can turn that tide of despair into a wave of hope and possibility. President Kennedy said, “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” Below, you will learn about organizations working pro-actively to address the economic crisis. They will dig deeper this year, as we all must. It won’t be easy. An abundance of courage, insight, and innovative thinking will be required to stare down the challenges that face us and our communities. If you gave $100 last year, give $150 this year. If you gave $1,000 give $1,200. If you are among the fortunate who have resources, then you have responsibility. Working together we’ll have what we need.
—Mark Charendoff, President of the Jewish Funders Network
American Friends of Magen David Adom
American Friends of Magen David Adom is celebrating its 69th year as the authorized organization supporting MDA in Israel and representing Magen David Adom in the US. Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel’s only government mandated ambulance and emergency medical responders. Thanks to AFMDA/ARMDI supporters, more than
700 MDA ambulances and emergency vehicles operate 24/7 from over 100 Emergency Medical Stations and 11 dispatch stations throughout Israel, answering every call. Acclaimed for their heroic role in rescuing the wounded, coordinating activities with the IDF and being part of Israel’s National Emergency Administration during the recent Gaza War, MDA also provides 97% of Israel’s blood needs and has launched the MDA Israel Cord Blood Bank. With your continued support, American Friends of Magen David Adom builds and renovates MDA Stations and contributes urgently needed vehicles, paramedic training, communications equipment, medications and medical equipment, as well as flak jackets, helmets, portable bomb shelters and security for our facilities.
352 Seventh Ave., Suite 400, New York, NY 10001
T: (212) 757-1627, (866) 632-2763
F: (212) 757-4662
info@afmda.org; www.afmda.org
Amit nurtures and educates Israeli children to become productive, contributing members of society. Its more than 70 schools, youth villages, surrogate family residences, and other programs are located in 23 cities and communities throughout Israel, and provide a continuity of values-based, academic excellence from kindergarten through junior college. AMIT schools help each child reach his or her fullest potential, while obtaining the skills and knowledge to build a successful future. A majority of AMIT’s more than 20,000 children come from economically disadvantaged and/or troubled families, homes facing hunger and poverty, or scarred by violence and domestic turmoil. Yet, AMIT students also reflect all Israel: religious and secular, Ashkenazi and Sephardi, Sabra and new immigrant. All students are welcome in AMIT’s educational environment, and tolerance, respect and the unity of the Jewish people are basic tenets of AMIT’s philosophy. We are proud that more than 95 percent of our graduates serve in the Israel Defense Forces or perform National Service.
Dr. Francine Stein, President
817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
t: (212) 477-4720, F: (212) 353-2312
info@amitchildren.org, www.amitchildren.org
See ad on page 72
Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind
This humanitarian program provides independence, mobility, improved self-esteem and companionship for visually impaired Israelis through the use of guide dogs. We breed, raise and train our puppies to become guide dogs that respond to Hebrew commands and navigate the unique obstacles in Israel. We instruct blind Israelis at our center near Tel Aviv, and provide aftercare services—all of which are offered FREE of charge. What makes our program so vital for all blind Israelis—including soldiers injured in the line of duty, victims of terror or diseases—is that with less than 30 days of instruction, they have their lives restored. Bar and bat mitzvah students are encouraged to sponsor a puppy for Mitzvah Projects. The cost of a sponsorship is just $500 and includes all the costs of raising the pup during the first year. Mitzvah project students may request posters, DVDs, brochures and other materials. Please “Share our Vision.”
IRS: 501(c)(3) #23-251-9029
Michael Leventhal, Executive Director
732 South Settlers Circle, Warrington, PA 18976
T/F: (267) 927-0205
info@israelguidedog.org; www.israelguidedog.org
The Jüdische Kulturbund: The Remarkable Story
The little-known story of the Jüdische Kulturbund, the Jewish Cultural Association that started in Nazi Germany. Kulturbund musicians and artists performed in theatres in 42 cities across Germany from 1933-1941. This story is about the power of music, the resiliency of the human spirit, and the will to survive. Proposed by Jewish performers in response to their exclusion from German cultural life, the Kulturbund was exploited by the Nazis as a propaganda ploy for foreign consumption. It nevertheless became a refuge to some of the finest Jewish musicians and performing artists in Europe. When the Kulturbund was shut down, members escaped the Nazis, either emigrating or hiding. Those less fortunate were sent to the camps. Help us tell this moving tale through a documentary film, from the desperate and inspired beginning of the Jüdische Kulturbund until the curtain falls before the Nazis enacted the Final Solution.
Gail Prensky, Executive Producer and Project Director, 202.333.8624, gprensky@tisproject.com
National Gaucher Foundation
The National Gaucher Foundation (NGF) was established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting research into the causes of Gaucher Disease. The mission of the NGF is to find a cure for Gaucher Disease by funding vital research programs and to promote community/physician awareness of the disease and educational programs. Over the last 16 years, the NGF has funded millions of dollars in research dealing with various enzyme replacement therapies, alternative treatments and gene therapy. Currently, the NGF is funding groundbreaking research on gene replacement therapy, which would ultimately cure Gaucher Disease. Success in this research would lead the way to finding cures for hundreds of genetic disorders. The NGF relies on the generosity and kindness of individual supporters.
2227 Idlewood Rd., Suite 12, Tucker, GA 30084
T: 1-800-GAUCHER (800-428-2437)
ngf@gaucherdisease.org; www.gaucherdisease.org
Young Judea
Young Judaea’s Israel Programs offers participants a unique volunteer, travel, or study program in Israel. Summer Programs in Israel begins in Spain, Italy, Morocco, Poland, or participants can fly straight to Israel for four weeks of exploration, hiking, kayaking, co-existence seminars, falafel and hummus, and fun with new Israeli friends. Earn college credits and community service hours. For recent high school graduates, Year Course participants earn up to a year’s worth of college credit while volunteering, speaking Hebrew, learning the history of Israel, exploring the country and more! Optional specialty tracks in Visual and Performing Arts, Design, Medicine, Athletics, Business and Culinary Arts. Our international travel options allow students to travel to countries like Uganda, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa, India and others! Young adults looking for a meaningful long-term opportunity in Israel are welcome on WUJS, a six month program in Israel offering internship options and an arts track. In honor of Young Judaea’s 100-year anniversary, you can support our participants by going to www.youngjudaea.org!
50 West 58th Street, New York, NY 10019
T: (800) 725-0612; info@youngjudaea.org
