Update on the Jews of Argentina

The economic plight of the Jews of Argentina continues to be a dire one. There are currently 220,000 Jews living in Argentina - 175,000 of them in Buenos Aires. Historically a middle-class community, these Jews have now joined the ranks of the new poor. Many of those who owned their own businesses have lost them in Argentina's economic crisis which has had a devastating effect on all the institutions in the Jewish community - congregations, schools, youth movements and camps. We urge you to connect with the organizations below that are providing crucial emergency assistance and services to Argentine Jewry.

Masorti Olami

Visit this new website, www.masortiworld.org, for up-to-the-minute information on efforts to aid the Jews of Argentina. Donations can be made securely and safely right from the site, or by mail. Projects include efforts to send Argentine youth to Jewish summer camps, to underwrite tuition for Masorti youth programs and religious education.

Masorti Olami (World Council of Conservative/Masorti synagogues)
34 Ben Yehuda St.
Jerusalem 92430 Israel
Tel: 972-2-624-7106
Fax: 972-2-624-7677
Email: Mail@masortiolami.org

The Joint Distritution Committee

The JDC continues its efforts to provide emergency services throughout Argentina. These services include not only social workers and job retraining, but more importantly and of immediate need, food vouchers, food packages and emergency cash needed to help pay rent, utilities, etc. Visit the JDC website to view photos and read profiles of struggling Jewish people and families who are receiving assistance from the JDC. You can also read or download their 2003 brochure, "The Crisis in Argentina." Website: www.jdc.org.