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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.
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