Archives

What is Purim?

Purim is one of the most joyous Jewish holidays in the Jewish calendar. The Jewish holiday is celebrated on the 14th and 15th of Adar (the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar), which usually falls in late February or early March. The Purim story commemorates the events described in the biblical Book of Esther, which tells the story of how the Jewish people were saved from a plot to exterminate them in ancient Persia.

A group of young Jewish displaced persons pose with their JDC-distributed gifts at a Purim party in Munich. JDC Archives 1940

The Purim Story
The story of Purim revolves around story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes the queen of Persia. When Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, hatches a plot to kill all the Jews in the kingdom, Esther reveals her Jewish identity to her husband, King Ahasuerus, and pleads with him to save her people. With the king’s help, Haman’s plot is thwarted, and the Jews are able to defend themselves against their attackers.

A group of young Jewish displaced persons pose with their JDC-distributed gifts at a Purim party in Munich. JDC Archives 1940The central theme of Purim is the idea of divine providence – that even when events seem to be working against us, God is always present and working behind the scenes to help us. This is reflected in the name of the festival itself, which comes from the Persian word pur, meaning “lot.” According to the Book of Esther, Haman chose the date for his plot to kill the Jews by casting lots (purim) to determine the most auspicious day.

Purim is celebrated in a number of ways. The festival is traditionally celebrated by the reading of the Megillah, the scroll containing the story of Esther. The Megillah is read in synagogues on the evening of Purim and again on the morning of the holiday. It is customary to make noise whenever the name of Haman is mentioned during the reading, in order to “blot out” his name and symbolically erase his memory.

Another popular custom is the exchange of gifts of food and drink, known as mishloach manot. It is customary to send at least two different kinds of food or drink to at least one other person. The purpose of this custom is to increase feelings of friendship and unity among the Jewish people.

Purim is a joyful celebration. Purim is traditionally celebrated with a festive meal on the afternoon or evening of Purim, and many Jews also celebrate with costume parties and other festive activities. In some communities, it is customary to hold Purimspiels – humorous Purim specific plays or skits that retell the story of Esther in a lighthearted way.

In addition to its historical significance, Purim has important lessons for us today. The festival reminds us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. It also reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God’s providence, even in times of darkness and uncertainty.

Overall, Purim is a joyful and meaningful holiday that celebrates the survival and triumph of the Jewish people. It is a time to come together with friends and family, to enjoy good food and drink, and to reflect on the lessons of the past as we look forward to a brighter future.

In Bulgaria, One Family Opens Their Home (and Their Hearts) to Ukraine’s Jews

In Bulgaria, One Family Opens Their Home (and Their Hearts) to Ukraine’s Jews

When the Ukraine crisis began, Bistra Titeva took her calling as a hospitality professional even more seriously: She and her husband opened their home to a family seeking shelter.

Titeva describes this experience, her connection to the Bulgarian Jewish community, and the responsibility she feels to help the vulnerable in their hour of need,” she recalls.

“It all began that March afternoon, ten days after the conflict began in Ukraine. I was doing some Friday shopping with my husband, Bobby, and purchasing things for the weekend.

“Then, my phone started buzzing: It was Julia Dandolova, the CEO of Shalom, the Organization of Jews in Bulgaria. She told me that a family of five needed accommodation — two parents and three daughters. Would I be able to open my doors to this family in need?

“In truth, we didn’t even need an hour,” she says. “To many people, this choice would be a difficult one, and rightfully so: What’s more personal, more intimate, and more private than opening your home to people you’ve never met?”

Adding: “Sure, this was a big step for Bobby and me. But at the end of the day, the answer was simple: We’d open our doors, open our hearts, and welcome this family in need.”

Jewish Summer Program

Bringing Summer Joy to Ukrainian Children

Even as fighting, uncertainty, and despair continue to rage, JDC continues to uphold its mission, bringing relief to the vulnerable. This summer will be no exception for Ukrainian children and families. The JDC continues its tradition of providing Jewish summer programs even under the clouds of war.

Children and teens across the former Soviet Union and Europe look forward to JDC’s summer programs all year. This summer we are working extra hard to bring this taste of normalcy to the children and teens of Ukraine, whose lives have been upended by the war.

Across Europe, communities are opening their summer camps to Ukrainian refugees. In Estonia, refugee children even joined the community’s April spring camp, held a mere two months after the war began. Estonia’s summer day camp staff includes a Jewish Sunday School teacher, herself a refugee from Ukraine.   

In Poland, the community’s annual family camp will feature a tri-lingual program – in Polish, Russian, and English – to better facilitate communication between refugees and Polish-speaking campers. Poland will also host a day camp for some 60 Ukrainian children, ages 7-17. Camp will combine fun with academic classes in Polish, English and math to prepare campers for the Polish school system they will be entering in September.

In Ukraine itself, JDC plans on hosting three Family Retreats in quieter areas of the country. We are also organizing summer activities for some 400 Jewish children and teens through our Active Jewish Teens initiative. Lastly, over 100 members of the Odessa community will be traveling to Romania, which is hosting Odessa’s JCC Migdal annual Family Retreat.  

Over 800 Ukrainian Jews to take part in 20+ JDC summer activities in Ukraine and Europe

Thank you for bringing much-needed summer joy to Ukraine’s Jewish children, teens, and families.

Jewish Summer Program
The JDC-supported Spring Camp in Estonia welcomes refugees, April 2022

Hungary in Forster

 

The Joint Australia planned a Mission to Hungary to observe The Joint’s work in restoring the Budapest community from destruction to a vibrant Jewish world centre. Prevented by COVID from travelling, we reconvened in regional NSW and led a leadership/advocacy retreat for influential and newly engaged JA ambassadors in-training.

Over two days we were lucky to hear from:

  1. Ariel Zwang CEO
  2. Will Recant Executive Vice president
  3. Sigal Shelach CEO Israel
  4. Oksana Galkevich Director Field Operations
  5. Amir Shaviv VP of Special Operations (Rescue)
  6. Avital Sandler-Loeff Executive Director of GRID: Global Response and Innovative Development (Tikun Olam)

 

 

 

 

Get Involved with The Joint!
There are many ways to take action: Follow our Facebook page, sign up for our global update, make a gift, volunteer or travel with us, or alert your network about The Joint’s lifesaving work around the world.

The Joint Australia
P.O. Box 3229
Tamarama, NSW 2026
Australia
Email: australia@jdc.org
Phone: 1300 683 653
Website: thejoint.org.au

Judith Morton Centers For Older Adults In Israel To Expand

 

The Judith Morton Rehabilitation Centres for older adults in Israel is an initiative run by The Joint that provides holistic care to those who are recovering from illness or serious injury. The 7 centres are currently running at full capacity and with the support of the Israeli government, they recently took the decision to upgrade each centre with more equipment and greater technology so as to bolster the services the centres provide. The impact of Covid 19 has seen the centres providing special care for those impacted by the pandemic both in person and online.

They’re now excited to announce, working again in close collaboration with The Joint, that a new project has commenced to open a network of 19 more Judith Morton self management guidance centres for older adults in Israel. The network will be active regionally across the country and have the main purpose of equipping older adults with the skills to manage healthier, happier independent lives. Of the new centres, a number will memorialise Judth’s sisters Lilly Ujvary & Eva Berger along with Geoff and Susie Israel, her devoted friends. The main services the new centres will offer are:

*Digital Literacy

*Guidance in transitioning to a ne Life Stage

*Retirement Planning Services and Financial Literacy

*Chronic Disease Self Management Programs

*Information Systems Offering Personalized Recommendations for a           Healthy Life Style

This is an ongoing commitment to help thousands of older adults across Israel regain their strength and independence through the most uncertain and challenging of times.

It’s through the generosity of members of our community like Rod that The Joint is able to positively impact the daily lives of citizens in need all across Israel.

 

Get Involved with The Joint!
There are many ways to take action: Follow our Facebook page, sign up for our global update, make a gift, volunteer or travel with us, or alert your network about The Joint’s lifesaving work around the world.

The Joint Australia
P.O. Box 3229
Tamarama, NSW 2026
Australia
Email: australia@jdc.org
Phone: 1300 683 653
Website: thejoint.org.au

Eddie Jaku & The Joint on Anzac Day

Eddie Jaku Tells His Story of Survival.

On Anzac day 300 supporters of The Joint gathered at Central Synagogue to hear the inspirational 101 year old Eddie Jaku tell his story. He spoke of how The Joint granted him safe passage to Australia after the horrors of WWII and the philosophy behind being known as the happiest man alive.

 

Roland Gridiger OAM, Eddie Jaku OAM, Eva Fischl OAM

 

Hannah Fuzi, Anna Lenvay, Eva Fischl OAM, Paul Lenvay

 

Eddie Jaku OAM

Get Involved with The Joint!
There are many ways to take action: Follow our Facebook page, sign up for our global update, make a gift, volunteer or travel with us, or alert your network about The Joint’s lifesaving work around the world.

The Joint Australia
P.O. Box 3229
Tamarama, NSW 2026
Australia
Email: australia@jdc.org
Phone: 1300 683 653
Website: thejoint.org.au

Youth we saved from assimilation, are saving their world

The Joint Australia COVID-19 Update – 16 October 2020

Dear Joint Supporter

  • The Joint is the glue that binds the Jewish world in over 70 countries and Israel. The youth with whom we work – more than 18,000 a year outside of Israel (and tens of thousands in Israel, as the largest NGO), are now the glue that binds the Jewish People’s past to our future survival.  Please watch this rewarding video, about our volunteer youth in action.
  • 106 years of working with children and youth, teaching survival, resilience, security, Yiddishkeit, Jewish pride and Jewish precepts, is returning on investment. Thousands of young Jewish boys and girls, men and women now volunteer in their communities, caring for the elderly, the destitute, the disabled and the disenfranchised.
  • Help our Jewish history become a Jewish future. Invest in our youth.
  • Please consider a donation – more than 91cents in every dollar works in the field doing Our sacred work together.

The Joint Australia wishes you Shabbat Shalom and a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Eva Fischl OAM 
President


Philip Bos
National Director

Brett Kaye
Victorian Director

Please show your support in helping The Joint continue to provide its lifesaving services in these unprecedented times.

Donate Today

Get Involved with The Joint!
There are many ways to take action: Follow our Facebook page, sign up for our global update, make a gift, volunteer or travel with us, or alert your network about The Joint’s lifesaving work around the world.

The Joint Australia
P.O. Box 3229
Tamarama, NSW 2026
Australia
Email: australia@jdc.org
Phone: 1300 683 653
Website: thejoint.org.au

The Joint’s approach to measuring our impact

The Joint Australia COVID-19 Update – 9 October 2020

The Joint’s (JDC) approach to impact measurement reflects the diversity and scope of our global work. We apply a unified philosophy to decentralised and program-driven systems that are customised to each area of our work. We utilise the MERL framework — Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning — to ensure organisational resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible, as well as hold ourselves accountable to our donors, the communities in which we operate, and, most importantly, the people we serve.

Monitoring
We collect & analyse data at both the program and the divisional/regional level.

Evaluation
Our program evaluation includes both internal efforts and external studies, both formative and summative, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Research
We gather additional insights and data (qualitative and quantitative) related to the environmental context of our work, as well as the program itself.

Learning
Drawing on our monitoring, evaluation, and research, we make informed decisions about our programs.

To learn more about our Impact in our five pillars of work and specific Impact Report Studies, please click here.

The Joint Australia wishes you Shabbat Shalom and a safe and enjoyable weekend.


Eva Fischl OAM 
President


Philip Bos
National Director

Brett Kaye
Victorian Director

Please show your support in helping The Joint continue to provide its lifesaving services in these unprecedented times.

Donate Today

Get Involved with The Joint!
There are many ways to take action: Follow our Facebook page, sign up for our global update, make a gift, volunteer or travel with us, or alert your network about The Joint’s lifesaving work around the world.

The Joint Australia
P.O. Box 3229
Tamarama, NSW 2026
Australia
Email: australia@jdc.org
Phone: 1300 683 653
Website: thejoint.org.au

Yom Kippur – A time for reflection

The Joint Australia COVID-19 Update – 25 September 2020

Good afternoon Joint Supporter

Yom Kippur is a time for us to all reflect on the year that was and count our blessings.

Many of you will know that The Joint has brought most of our Jewish ancestors to Australia during and after the holocaust between 1946 and 1954.

Here is an excerpt from an article written by a granddaughter who is reflecting on her grandparents’ journey to Australia with the help of the Joint,

Global Jewish Reflections | Honoring My Grandparents’ Jewish Journey to Australia
I come from the vibrant Jewish community of Melbourne, Australia; with about 113,000 Jews, it’s the ninth-largest community in the world, about 0.5 percent of the city’s population. Australia also has the largest per-capita Holocaust survivor population outside of Israel, and it’s concentrated in Melbourne. Between 1946 and 1954, around 20,000 Jewish refugees arrived in Australia from Europe and Shanghai. JDC played a critical role in this immigration program.

Growing up in Melbourne, if you visited the local Holocaust museum your guide was often a survivor. School assemblies in memory of the Holocaust always included someone’s grandparent sharing their story. However, those days are now coming to an end, and it’s now our collective responsibility as the next generation to continue sharing their stories. This is mine.

My Zaidy, Godel Wroby, was born in 1925 and grew up in the small village of Mlyny in Poland, close to the city of Lodz. I’m writing this blog on what would have been his 95th birthday.

A sole survivor of the Holocaust, he lost his mother, father, brother, and sister during the war. He somehow survived multiple camps and ghettos before he was liberated by Russian troops in 1945 from the Theresienstadt ghetto.

             

Taryn Silver as a young child, with her grandmother,     Taryn’s grandfather, Godel Wroby
Rosa Wroby 

Following the war he lived in one of the largest displaced persons camps for Jewish refugees, Foehrenwald in Germany. In his book “My Battle for Survival,” he writes that JDC, or the Jointprovided residents with a tallis, tefillin, and siddur:

“It is thanks to the Joint that so many people discovered that they were not abandoned, that there were people who wanted to help them. The Joint was a mother and a father to us. They really cared for us. I don’t think I would be alive today if not for them.”

My grandfather kept that tallis and brought it with him to Australia, where it is still in our family’s possession.

At Foehrenwald, my grandfather was diagnosed with tuberculosis and through JDC was eventually transferred to the health resort Bella Lui in Switzerland, where he lived for almost three years.

With the help of JDC, he arrived in Australia in 1950, writing that:

“I will never forget the assistance I received after the war. During the three years I spent in Switzerland, I promised myself that after having been forced to live on charity I would one day be in a position to contribute to whichever community I found myself living in.” 

My grandfather kept his promise and went on to make many contributions to his local community and beyond. He married my grandmother Rosa in 1954, building a family and a successful business before his passing in 2017.
See full article here

Like Taryn, if you or your family were assisted by The Joint, please read the below which might assist you in learning how your family came to be in Australia so that you can share it with your family.

The JDC Archival Indexing Project
The Joint is excited to announce the completion of a major indexing project that for the first time makes available the names of those who received emigration assistance from the Joint in Czechoslovakia in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust. Comprising the first 191 boxes of the records of the the Joint (JDC) Prague Office, 1945-1950, the Emigration Service case files represent a significant portion of the collection. The index to these files will now become a significant resource for genealogists and family researchers.

As case files may contain private personal information, they are not open to the public. However, family members may request digital copies of the documents via our online Request Information form. Explore the AJDC Prague Office Emigration Case Files Index.

If you or your family were assisted by The Joint, we hope these new records may help you piece together some of your family history.

Sample of the opening entries of the Czech Case File Index

In addition to date and location of birth, current address, and information on relatives abroad, the case files often include biographical information about the clients that document their wartime experiences.

During the war [he] was deported in 1942 to Hungary in a labor camp, from there to Russia, escaped in 1943 and joined the Czech army in 1944. Wife was in Terezin, Auschwitz, various concentration camps in Germany, liberated from Terezin. He lost first wife and child during the war.

Or, in another example,

[He] was during the war first in labor camp, then in different concentration camps. Lost his parents and three sisters and two brothers. Has one brother and a sister here, who are leaving together with him. . . . His wife was in concentration camps as well, she lost her parents and several sisters and brothers.

See here for full project detail

Continuing with our moment of reflection, Rabbi Yossi Friedman of Maroubra Synagogue and The Joint invite you to Pause, Reflect and Connect this Yom Kippur.

The Yizkor service on Yom Kippur is a dedicated time for us to honour and remember loved ones who have departed this world. As many will be unable to attend a Yizkor service, rabbis are calling for a collective, cross-communal moment of silence at 12pm on Yom Kippur Day, Monday 28 September. Whether you are at shul or home alone, we will pause together in spiritual unity and personal prayer.

The Joint and Never Apart aim to support Jews everywhere practically and spiritually; and we both wish you g’mar chatima tova.


Eva Fischl OAM 
President


Philip Bos
National Director

Brett Kaye
Victorian Director

Please show your support in helping The Joint continue to provide its lifesaving services in these unprecedented times.

Donate Today

Get Involved with The Joint!
There are many ways to take action: Follow our Facebook page, sign up for our global update, make a gift, volunteer or travel with us, or alert your network about The Joint’s lifesaving work around the world.

The Joint Australia
P.O. Box 3229
Tamarama, NSW 2026
Australia
Email: australia@jdc.org
Phone: 1300 683 653
Website: thejoint.org.au

JDC Coronavirus Response and Rosh Hashanah

The Joint Australia COVID-19 Update – 18 September 2020

Dear Joint Supporter

As we head in to Rosh Hashanah, we wanted to share with you this amazing video showcasing the Joint’s tireless and high-impact work in the face of COVID-19. We are very proud of this incredible work – all of which would not be possible without your support.

This video provides a global overview of how the Joint’s deep expertise and timeless Jewish values are being put into action to ensure we can continue to care for the tens of thousands of people who depend on us every single day. If the Joint hadn’t been present long before this crisis, our ability to respond would not be as robust, efficient, and impactful as it is.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a healthy year ahead.


Eva Fischl OAM 
President


Philip Bos
National Director

Brett Kaye
Victorian Director

Please show your support in helping The Joint continue to provide its lifesaving services in these unprecedented times.

Donate Today

Get Involved with The Joint!
There are many ways to take action: Follow our Facebook page, sign up for our global update, make a gift, volunteer or travel with us, or alert your network about The Joint’s lifesaving work around the world.

The Joint Australia
P.O. Box 3229
Tamarama, NSW 2026
Australia
Email: australia@jdc.org
Phone: 1300 683 653
Website: thejoint.org.au