One of the shining stars in THE ASSOCIATED's commitment overseas has been our relationship with the Jewish community of Odessa. When the Soviet regime collapsed and the independent republic of Ukraine was formed in 1991, 70 years of Soviet oppression had taken its toll — very few Jews in Odessa knew of their Jewish heritage and culture, much less how to practice their religion.

Thirteen years later, Odessa can be proud of a vibrant Jewish community, with more than 40,000 Jews and a variety of Jewish agencies to support their needs. There are day schools, synagogues, a kosher restaurant, a Jewish museum, a social services agency, Hillel, Jewish Community Centers and a number of other Jewish agencies supported by THE ASSOCIATED and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

The mission of the Odessa Partnership is to promote initiatives in Odessa that focus on education, humanitarian concerns, arts and culture, leadership, volunteerism and community development.

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IN THE NEWS

December 6, 2012 is the 25th anniversary of the March on Washington, where more than 250,000 people gathered on the national mall in an unprecedented display of solidarity for Soviet Jewry—and in doing so changed the course of history. The Jewish Federations played a pivotal role in organizing the event and bringing thousands of participants.

To commemorate this historic occasion, they have released a new video, created in partnership with Freedom 25, an organization established to raise awareness and continue the legacy of the Soviet Jewry movement.  

To get involved in the Partnership, contact Stephanie Hague at 410-369-9294 or shague@associated.org.

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