Partnerships Brought Swift Support to Israel’s Most Vulnerable

In the first months of the COVID-19 crisis, JDC reached tens of thousands of people across Israel—people with disabilities, older adults, low-income families and the unemployed. As part of the initial emergency response, JDC delivered humanitarian aid and services, distributed vital information to isolated citizens, and trained professionals and volunteers to work remotely. When it became clear that COVID-19 would affect lives for a long time to come, JDC shifted its work to develop longer-term solutions.

JDC’s work in Israel is unique—our partnership with the Government of Israel allows for national coordinated impact.

One group of people severely affected by the pandemic were young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. Take Shiri, for example. She was brought up by her mother, an immigrant from Ethiopia, who worked two jobs to make ends meet.

Growing up, Shiri had always dreamed of being the first in her family to go to college, and she worked hard through high school to make it happen. She was thrilled when she got her acceptance letter to the Technion. Determined to make it work, Shiri moved to Haifa and managed to keep up her GPA while working a part-time job at a clothing store to make ends meet.

But then the pandemic hit. The clothing store closed, and Shiri was fired the same day. With lockdown in place and no other job opportunities available, how could she continue to support herself and pay her tuition?

Shiri is but one example. There are thousands of young people in similar situations. How long would it take before they quit school, defaulted on their rent, went into debt and jeopardized their futures?

JDC heard from many young people like Shiri, concerned that they would no longer be able to pay their bills and would need to quit college or vocational training. With your help, JDC responded immediately with one-time rent subsidies and food vouchers, helping them to stay solvent and allowing them to stay in school.

Recognizing the pandemic would continue to impact young adults in the long term, JDC—together with our philanthropic and government partners—created a fund that distributed $4.2 million in stipends and rental assistance to help some 2,500 young adults with no family support. JDC also helped college students leverage those stipends to receive matching stipends funded by the proceeds of Israel’s national lottery. JDC, together with our partners, will continue to provide guidance and support to help vulnerable young adults complete their studies. This is an important piece of JDC’s strategic efforts to improve educational and employment opportunities for young Israelis from low-income communities.

“I'm so grateful. I knew that if I left my studies, I might never go back,” says Shiri.

You Can Help

When you include JDC in your will or other legacy plan, you can make a lasting impact on vulnerable people like Shiri, whether they face economic hardships, endemic poverty or natural disasters. Contact David Golaner at 212.885.0825 or davidgo@jdc.org to discuss your giving options.