An interview with
Penny
Blumenstein,
president American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
by Alexander Zanzer
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is the
world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. Since
1914, JDC has exemplified that all
Jews are responsible for one another and for improving the wellbeing of vulnerable people around
the world.
After WWI and after the Shoah,
JDC supported the Belgian Jewish communities and the refugees.
Today, JDC works in more than 70
countries and in Israel to alleviate
hunger and hardship, rescue Jews
in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and provide
immediate relief and long-term
development support for victims
of natural and man-made disasters. JDC has a budget of nearly
350 million USD.
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The Joint is almost 100 years old
- how do you define the organization today?
The Joint – from 1914 through today
– operates on one powerful notion: all
Jews are responsible for one another.
What that means, especially for many of
your readers, is that the Joint responds to
crises, meets the needs of the poor and
elderly, and that we provide infrastructure and create programs for Jewish life
together in partnership with Jewish communities the world over.
What they may not know is that we are
also shaping the Jewish future by training
a new generation of Jewish leaders dedicated to creating opportunities for authentic Jewish expression and preparing
them for the challenges we’ll face as one
global Jewish people. We’re also creating innovative solutions to enhance local
Jewish communities in their quest to be
self-sufficient, pluralistic, and interconnected with other Jews around the world.
How did its work and priorities
change over time? Is there still a
need for such an organization?
One of the most powerful things I have
seen in my 10 years of involvement with
the Joint is its ability to quickly and efficiently tackle any crisis – be it war,
economic strife, or natural disaster. And
unfortunately, the last 100 years have
been plagued by conflict, genocide, and
upheaval. But it’s also been one of opportunity and Jewish rebirth.
As an example: while the Joint today is
a major innovator of programs dedicated
to strengthening Israel’s social infrastructure, we began our work there in 1914 by
providing food, clothing, and other aid
to Jews suffering there during the First
World War.
And in Europe, where most of your readers know us, we went from providing material and spiritual support to Jews after
the Holocaust to helping Jews rediscover
their identity in the wake of communism
and rebuild their communities over the
last twenty years in partnership with local communities.
Yes, we are still needed. And it’s our privilege and blessing to be here.
How does the Joint interact with
governments in the countries
where it works?
Like many NGO’s, the Joint often develops relationships with government
departments or agencies whose work
coincides with ours – Ministries of
Health, Social Welfare, or Education,
for example. Additionally, we develop
relationships with local politicians with
shared non-political interests, the local
Jewish community, and diplomats from
the U.S, Israeli, and other governments
stationed in a country.
In Israel, where the Joint incubates bestin-class programs to address social issues
like unemployment, immigrant integration, and the challenges faced by people
with disabilities, we work together with
various social Ministries to scale and expand successful initiatives.
What has been the Joint’s role in
Europe during the economic crisis?
Together with Jewish communities in
the Baltics, Greece, and Bulgaria, we’ve
enacted an innovative Jewish community-centered relief program that simultaneously addresses social service needs,
employment opportunities, and Jewish
community connection.
Since 2008, we’ve expanded our Ariel Job
Centers and have provided thousands of
people with training in job-hunting, interviewing, resume building, computer,
and other professional skills. We’ve also
ensured Jewish school scholarships, free
or subsidized Jewish programs, rent subsidies, and, of course, basic necessities to
make sure people don’t go without food
or medicine.
Having just returned from Argentina
where we created this relief model after
their 2001 economic collapse, I can tell
you that it has helped ensure that community is prepared for unexpected economic blips and other challenges.
The U.S. Jewish scene is well
defined with its many organizations. What does Europe miss?
I think you’re best turning to Europe’s
Jewish communities on this point. The
Joint is here to offer any help we can as
local communities and their leaders create their Jewish landscape, build their
sense of self, and set priorities.
Can there be a global Joint or
does America define Jewish humanitarian work?
It always makes me chuckle when I hear
that question because there has always
been one global Joint. True, the majority of our lay leadership and our headquarters are located in America. But we
have always been an organization of the
world. And today, in more than 70 countries, we are a global tapestry of Jewish
communities, professionals, and leadership that share best practices, exchange
ideas, and work together to make sure
that wherever there is a Jew in need, the
Joint is there. Do we need to work harder
to be more unified and act on our global
outlook? Of course. And we invite all of
those we work with to join us in that effort.
Jewish humanitarian work is less
known and appreciated, why?
I don’t know that I see it that way. One
of our disaster relief experts likes to tell
the story that whenever he is in a crisis
zone – Haiti, South Asia, even in Kosovo
– one of the most rewarding moments is
when humanitarian groups meet to discuss their efforts and he stands up and
says, “I am here representing the Joint
Distribution Committee and we are here
to provide the Jewish response to this
terrible tragedy.” He is always met with
smiles, applause, and interest.
Additionally, in the U.S., the Jewish Federation system and other Jewish organizations are the envy of the humanitarian,
nonprofit, and NGO space. We’re covered in media, lauded by politicians, and
even studied in social work classes.
Should we all work harder to raise awareness of the work Jewish groups are doing
to save lives and build strong societies?
Absolutely. That’s why I am here talking
to you.
Various NGOs have achieved
diplomatic status at the UN
due to their humanitarian work.
Will one day the Joint seek the
same?
As Tevye the Milkman says, “If they
would agree, I would agree.”
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Children home
France 1945
Jaffa Gate Jerusalem 1914
Tunis 1958
Ukrain
e 1923
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oys home
1946