JDC sustains Jewish renewal programs in Poland with thanks to the Annual Campaign

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island impacts programs and services around the world as well as here at home. Each year, funds raised through the Annual Campaign are allocated to core partners overseas. The American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) receives funding that greatly impacts Jewish renewal programs throughout Poland. These programs include Limmud-Keshet, an annual Jewish learning conference; Atid Jewish Summer Camp, a 2-week immersion in Jewish living and learning; and adult programming that takes place year-round.

In October 2013, the JDC and the Jews of Warsaw inaugurated the first-ever modern JCC in the Polish capital, home to 5,000 Jews. The building, located in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, tells the story of the exciting re-emergence of Jewish life in Poland following decades of destruction and anti-Semitism. Like the Jewish Alliance, the Warsaw JCC is centrally located and serves as the hub for Jewish life and offers a vast array of Jewish cultural, educational, and community services and programs attended by thousands of Jews of all ages and backgrounds annually. Also like the Jewish Alliance, many activities and offerings take place beyond the JCC-Warsaw’s walls, and attract Jews from all over Poland.

Two of the Jewish renewal programs that we support are the Limmud-Keshet Jewish Learning Conference, which attracts hundreds of people, making it Polish Jewry’s largest annual event and Atid Jewish Summer Camp, bringing together dozens of campers, ages 7 to 17 from all over Poland for a 2-week immersion in Jewish living and learning. These and other Jewish revitalization programs are essential if Poland’s Jews are to rebuild their Jewish community and ensure its future. They serve as a reminder locally of just how meaningful our dollars are across the world. “This was my first time at the Atid and I made a lot of new friends, whom I know will be friends for my lifetime. I learned many Jewish prayers, and I sing them often now. I learned about Jewish leaders and that the Jewish people have a long history over struggle, but we continue to overcome. I definitely feel more Jewish and appreciate my Judaism now,” said Teo, a 13-year-old first-time camper at Atid Jewish Summer Camp in Warsaw.

The largest and most popular Jewish learning event in Poland, Limmud-Keshet, brings together hundreds of Jews of all ages and affiliations every year. During the most recent conference, held in November 2014, nearly 800 people from across Poland assembled to meet new people, connect with old friends, and participate in upwards of 100 lectures, workshops, and discussions all focused on Jewish history, identity, origin and beliefs. Speakers included Polish journalists, writers, directors, artists and a variety of Jewish professionals with diverse interests and talents. The annual program includes all-inclusive Shabbat and Havdalah services as well as activities for children led by trained staff. “I had the pleasure of participating in this very special event. The quality of programming is extremely high. For me, one of Limmud’s biggest impressions is that it integrates all the Jews of Poland. Limmud is like a big ship that doesn’t drift but safely navigates to its goal, which is the future of Jewish life in Poland. It is a ship that can fit everyone, and I’m very grateful to have been there at the right place and time,” said Adam, a 2014 participant from Katowice, Poland.

Funding JDC’s Jewish Renewal Programs serves to engage Poland’s Jews in exciting and inspiring Jewish activities that strengthen Jewish knowledge and identity, deepen ties to the Jewish community, and build Jewish leadership, ultimately ensuring a stronger future for Jewish life in Poland.

The JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization and works to alleviate poverty and strengthen Jewish life in more than 70 countries and in Israel. JDC has been established in the United States, opening its activity in Europe in 1914 and has been working in Poland, almost without interruption, since 1918. In Poland, the JDC supports local Jewish associations and institutions and organizes different cultural and educational projects, which play a major role in the renewal and re-integration of the Jewish community after the post-communist transformation.

To contribute to vital Jewish programs and impact the Jewish community at home and abroad, today and tomorrow, contact Trine Lustig, vice president of Philanthropy at the Jewish Alliance at tlustig@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 223.

JENNIFER ZWIRN is in grants and philanthropy at The Jewish Alliance.