Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh — All Israel is responsible for one another (Talmud, Shevuot 39a).

When poverty and crisis strike Jewish communities around the world, we have a responsibility to act. Whether it is providing medical packages, food subsidies, and heating oil to impoverished Jews in the Former Soviet Union or supporting re-emerging Jewish communities in Europe, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and our international partner agencies are working to create sustainable change.

Frail Elderly in the FSU

The more than 165,000 elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union (FSU) are among the most destitute Jews in the world. War in Ukraine and the re-emergence of anti-Semitism has put these Jewish communities at increased risk.

Current Support: $120,000

2020 Goal: Help for these frail, elderly Jews to live their last days in relative comfort by supplementing their meagre pensions so they can purchase additional groceries, medication, heating oil, and modest home care support.

Additional Support Needed: $120,000 more per year

Strengthening Jewish Life in Jewish Communities in Need Overseas

Today, European Jewish communities face a growing number of challenges, including a marked increase in anti-Semitism, economic uncertainty, educational challenges, assimilation, and rapid shifts in modes of Jewish identity and affiliation.

Current Support: $15,000

2020 Goal: Help re-emerging Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union (FSU) increase their self-sufficiency and work toward a vibrant Jewish future. Develop capable young leaders within the community who can create, inspire, excite, and educate.

Additional Support Needed: $100,000 more per year