The Impact of Going Global

In 2024, generous support from The Associated’s Going Global Initiative made it possible for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to continue its mission, ensuring vital humanitarian assistance for vulnerable Jews in Argentina.

Through this initiative, 394 families received direct aid — helping put food on their tables and enabling access to stable housing and basic utilities like water and electricity.

These families live outside of Buenos Aires, across 14 smaller communities in eight provinces, representing about 15% of Argentina’s 250,000-strong Jewish population.

Poverty Outside the Cities

Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis has been especially hard on Jews living in more remote areas. Many of these communities are far from urban centers, which means employment opportunities are scarce and poverty is widespread.

Government support is limited — and often not enough to keep families afloat. While many Jewish households struggle with long-term economic hardship, their communities often lack the infrastructure and resources to care for the most vulnerable.

By providing direct assistance, we can offer more than financial relief — we help foster a sense of community, solidarity and resilience.

Families receiving aid know they are not alone. They are part of a larger global Jewish network that cares deeply about their well-being. This initiative also strengthens ties between JDC and local Jewish organizations, helping ensure a more coordinated response to community needs.

Meet Violeta and Her Family

Violeta, 54, lives in Tucumán City with her three sons: Roberto (20), Mariano (13), and Nicolás (10). She has been separated from their father since 2017.

Her economic situation is unstable. Violeta earns minimum wage working in a local clothing store, and her estranged husband’s financial support is sporadic and insufficient.

Her son Mariano has a moderate mental disability and receives state assistance, but his condition adds further challenges to the family’s day-to-day life.

Thanks to JDC and the support of The Associated, Violeta and her children receive food and housing support — crucial help that allows her to focus on her sons’ needs without the constant stress of how to make ends meet.

Helping Ukrainian Jewish Refugees in Poland

Support from The Associated’s Going Global Initiative also fuels The Jewish Agency for Israel’s (JAFI) programs for Ukrainian Jewish refugees in Poland — individuals and families displaced by the war with Russia.

Since the conflict began in February 2022, JAFI has worked tirelessly to help Ukrainian Jews escape danger and rebuild their lives.

With a focus on Jewish identity, historical awareness and community belonging, programs include:

Hebrew language clubs

Jewish holiday celebrations

Jewish learning and cultural programs

Support for making Aliyah (immigration to Israel)

Zuriy and Oksana’s Story

Among the active participants are Zuriy and his wife, Oksana, who fled Ukraine and are now living in Poland.

They attend the Hebrew club regularly — a meaningful connection to Zurly’s son from a previous marriage, who lives in Israel. They hope to one day speak Hebrew well enough to communicate with their grandchildren.

They’ve also found a sense of belonging by joining Jewish holiday events and community activities. Through these shared experiences, they’ve made lasting friendships with other Ukrainian Jews navigating a new life in Poland.

The Impact of Going Global

The Impact of Going Global

Poverty Outside the Cities

Meet Violeta and Her Family

Helping Ukrainian Jewish Refugees in Poland

Zuriy and Oksana’s Story

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep Reading