Dear Dr. Piazza:

On behalf of American Jewish World Service, I sincerely thank you for your generous contribution. Because of your support AJWS is able to continue our collaboration with innovative, grassroots organizations throughout the developing world. These determined organizations are making a huge difference in their communities, by (1) securing sustainable food/water sources, (2) providing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment activities, (3) empowering women to become economically successful, (4) dealing with the aftermath of ethnic conflict and (5) fulfilling children’s basic right to an education.

AJWS is a premier and emergent organization. In the past year, despite the difficult economic climate, our international grant making has grown significantly. Because of crucial support like yours, AJWS has been able to partner with new projects in an expanding number of countries. Specifically, we are now funding 178 projects in 40 countries throughout the developing world, Russia, and Ukraine (up from 139 projects in 33 countries in 2002).

AJWS has recently begun working with El Hombre Sobre La Tierra, which is promoting sustainable agricultural development, environmental sustainability and food self-sufficiency in Mexico. One new project partner, Wahanda Women Development Group in Kenya, is continuing our commitment to women’s empowerment issues in Africa. With our funding they are able to purchase new irrigation and farming tools and introduce new dairy farming techniques to African women. AJWS is also continuing to expand our HIV/AIDS work by funding a clinic in South Africa to create community-based health centers.

In addition to these exciting new development projects, we continue to respond quickly and effectively to disasters by partnering with organizations that have first-hand knowledge of the situation on the ground. In the aftermath of war in Iraq, AJWS is partnering with War Child Canada, a humanitarian NGO dedicated to providing immediate, effective and sustainable relief to children affected by war.

Our service programs are also growing dramatically. During the past year we placed more than 60 adult professionals with grassroots, community-based organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America as part of our Jewish Volunteer Corps. We also sent more than 170 college students on Alternative Breaks to experience the meaning of tikkun olam (repairing the world) for themselves. We expect to partner with 25 schools and make it possible for more than 200 students to participate in this program in 2004. We continue to run a highly successful summer college program, the International Jewish College Corps, in Honduras or Ghana and Ukraine, which has proven to be a monumental, life-changing experience for the young Jews who participate. We anticipate expanding this program to a third location for the summer of 2004.

We are tremendously grateful for your cooperation and commitment to our mission of helping to alleviate poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Contributions such as yours help us to bring this goal from an idea into a fully realized vision.

If you have any questions, would like additional information on any programs, or want to become more involved with AJWS, please feel free to cal me or Tommy Loeb at 212-273-1633. I also hope you will visit our web site at www.AJWS.org for the latest information and updates on AJWS activities.

Sincerely,

Ruth Messinger
President

P.S. As no goods or services were received, the full amount of your contribution is tax deductible.