International
Needs
While most Jewish funders have been focused on relief efforts in North America and Israel so far, international needs are expected to rise dramatically in the coming weeks and months as the coronavirus continues to spread. The challenges in developing countries in particular are expected to be particularly great, as their public medical and human services infrastructure is generally weaker than in the West.
Responses
The Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees, of which JFN is a founding partner organization, has created an emergency COVID-19 fund to provide protective personal equipment (PPE) to as many Syrian refugees as it can reach. MFA is hoping to raise $250,000 to provide PPE for Syrians in refugee and IDP camps; extensive testing for COVID19; and hygiene kits, including hand sanitizer and soap. Learn more here.
In the Former Soviet Union, JDC is providing Jewish community professionals with Professional support and guidance on how to function and build resilience through emergencies; Virtual programming materials for Passover seders and beyond; Small grants for community-run initiatives such as mobilizing volunteers to bring food to the elderly, online programming to increase socialization of the elderly, and online community-building efforts.
In Ethiopia, the JDC says it plans to leverage a century of experience in bringing immediate humanitarian relief to Jews and non-Jews alike in their hour of need. JDC plans to train key organizations and institutions in the lifesaving practices of handwashing, proper hygiene, and social distancing, and equip two central health facilities in Addis Ababa with the medical equipment needed to assist in treating those infected with the virus.
Given the global impact of this pandemic, JDC reports that it has been in direct contact with all of its field staff and communities in every region in order to assess the rapidly changing situation on the ground.
Resources
For Elderly Jews in the Former Soviet Union, COVID-19 Lockdown Loneliness is Debilitating
Description - News article
Source - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
June 25
This World Refugee Day, Calling on the Global Jewish Community to Act
Description - Op-Ed
Source - eJewish Philanthropy
June 17
As COVID-19 Puts Brazil’s Poverty Issues Into Sharp Focus, Brazilian Jews Rush to Help Favelas
Description - News Article
Source - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
June 5
JDC Aid Organization Lays Off 53 Staffers Around the World
Description - News article
Source - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
May 22
When COVID-19 is Just One of Many Crises: The Pandemic’s Impact on Displaced Persons
Source - JFN webinar
May 18
73% of Charities Worldwide See Decline in Contributions
Description - News article
Source - Chronicle of Philanthropy
May 18
Migrants and Refugees Need COVID-19 Support — in Israel Too
Description - Op-Ed
Source - Times of Israel
May 18
How COVID has Changed our Humanitarian Operations
Description - Op-Ed
Source - eJewish Philanthropy
May 15
How the Coronavirus is Hitting Jewish Communities Worldwide
Description - News Article
Source - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
May 5
Report from IsraAID on its Global Coronavirus Emergency Response
Description - Report
Source - IsraAID
Report from American Jewish Joint-Distribution Committee
Source - JDC
March 23
Defending Human Rights During COVID-19
Description - Article
Source - American Jewish World Service
March 23
Nonprofit Funding Proposals
