The Hesed Model: Jewish Community Welfare Centers in the Former Soviet Union

Publication Date: January 2001

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Amos Avgar; Julia Mirsky; Leonid Kolton

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Global Responsibility; Jewish Organizations; Values

Type: Report

Coverage: Russia (Federation)

Abstract:

First developed in 1993 by American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, there are now 145 Hesed Centers throughout the Former Soviet Union that provide a wide range of social services. Founded on the pillars of community, volunteerism and yiddishkeit, the Hesed network is the largest and most effective of all welfare services in the FSU, whether governmental or private.