Overseas Development

JAA has embarked on the creation of our own Overseas Development program (JAAOD) that will enable us to work directly with local Non-Government Organisations (NGO) and/or join projects being undertaken by other Jewish Humanitarian groups from across the world to deliver assistance in development work that enhances the life opportunities for those in need. The ideas expressed below come as a summary of a conference held in New York, June 2006 (attended by a member of JAAOD) called the “Tikkun Olam Project”.

There are 3 areas in which we believe that increasing the focus of overseas development work will help build a stronger Jewish community:

• A new positive identity for the Jewish world and Israel

• Increased and improved development and humanitarian assistance

• Expanding local and international relationships

Building strong identities
In a recent US survey of 18-25 year old Jews, respondents were asked what it means for them personally to be Jewish.  The study found that for this generation, "making the world a better place" (64%) and "leading an ethical and moral life" (63%) were the second and third most important factors in defining their Jewish identity, only after "remembering the Holocaust" (73%). These were ahead of all nine other factors suggested, including "believing in God" (50%) and attending synagogue (30%).

The study also found whilst young Jews embrace their Jewish identities, they have difficulty finding meaningful communal connections. By creating a new positive identity around international development and humanitarian assistance, we believe that a new source for generating strong community connections.

Improved Development programs
Today there are numerous non-governmental and community organizations in Israel and the Jewish world have become involved in development and/or humanitarian assistance. These include existing organizations who entered the field (e.g. American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, B'nai Brith, various Jewish federations, Latet, etc) and other organizations established specifically for this purpose (e.g. American Jewish World Service, IsraAid, Ve'Ahavta, MaAfrika Tikkun, Tzedek UK, Jewish Aid Australia, etc).

We believe strengthening the work and cooperation of these groups will substantially increase the amount of giving to the field. It will also create synergies between Jewish and Israeli organizations, thereby enhancing their individual and collective capacities to deliver effective development and humanitarian assistance.

Strengthening relationships with the broader community
Not only is there potential to enhance relationships between the Jewish world and Israel, but it can also improve connections between them and the external world. For Jewish communities throughout the world, this may mean strengthening their connections with other local groups and diasporas; for Israel, it may mean fostering its relationships with other states and international organizations.

 

For more information on JAAOD please email to jaaod@jewishaid.org.au