Effective Development Practice.

"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime."

Jewish Aid Australia follows international best practice in our work. Our indigenous, community and international development programs are all planned in consultation with local communities, and emphasise participation, capacity building, and sustainable development. We build long-term relationships between our community and other communities, seeing friendships between individuals as a powerful catalyst in creating understanding, and proactive and positive partnerships for change.

Embody Jewish Values.

"Learn to do good, seek justice, aid the oppressed.

Uphold the rights of the orphan, defend the cause of the widow" - Isaiah 1:17

We are inspired by our Jewish tradition to pursue social justice outside our community.  We work with our volunteers to explore Jewish meaning for their work, according to values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedahah (charity), and chessed (kindness).  Our volunteers are proud, respectful ambassadors for the Australian Jewish community. 

Build Partnerships.

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” – Isaac Newton

We create opportunities for members of the Jewish community to engage with other communities, in Australia and overseas.  Our programs focus on building connections between individuals and communities, and we work in partnership with other organisations.

Provide meaningful volunteering experiences.

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others,

what am I? And if not now, when?” - Hillel

With only two paid staff members, JAA is truly a volunteer-run organisation.  We recognise the social and economic capital created by a vibrant volunteer sector, understanding that volunteering benefits the entire community, inclusive of each volunteer.  We could not run our programs without project delivery, program support and in kind contributions from our volunteers, and we value each one accordingly.  In addition to facilitating meaningful experiences, JAA supports volunteers throughout their journey, by training, finding well matched placements, providing support, and post volunteering debriefs.

Educate and be educated.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

JAA believes in ongoing learning and development. Volunteer opportunities are accompanied by an educational curriculum that covers themes in community and international development, cultural sensitivity, representing the Jewish people, and Jewish sources. We seek to involve alumni in our educational activities, and continually revise our curriculum.  As an organisation, we seek to learn from our partnerships, and through other organisations’ inspiring work.