A second experiment through Rutger's global programs is through student volunteer work in Arad. The Jewish Agency for Israel plays a unique role in building Jewish people-hood. For 70 years, the Jewish Agency, a humanitarian organization committed to the highest ideals of freedom and equality, has been pivotal to Israel's remarkable story of immigration, renewal and growth. And for over 50 years, since the establishment of the State of Israel, the Jewish Agency has been the driving force behind the unique bond between Jews worldwide and Israel. More than 1 million immigrants have come to Israel from the former Soviet Union between 1989 and 1998.
Thousands still arrive every month.
Five hundred youngsters at risk live at JAFI youth villages. And JAFI's Partnership 2000 pairs 28 Israeli regions with 550 Diaspora communities to develop the Negev, Galilee and Jerusalem areas by tuning the Israel-Diaspora relationship into a true partnership. For 83 years, JDC has embodied the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. Operating in 59 countries around the world, JDC rescues Jews in distress, provides relief for Jews in need, reconstructs and rebuilds Jewish communities and helps Israel address its social challenges by serving as a force for innovation and reform. Many have no relatives and live on meager fixed incomes.