About American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc.

Since 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc. (JDC) has served as the overseas arm of the American Jewish community. Their mission is to serve the needs of Jews throughout the world, particularly where their lives as Jews are threatened or made more difficult. They sponsor programs of relief, rescue and renewal and help Israel address its most urgent social challenges. They are committed to the idea that all Jews are responsible for one another and that "To save one person is to save the world" (Mishna, Sanhedren 4:5).

The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (A special project of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) aims to create a safe and structured community for orphaned children in Rwanda. A place where these traumatized youth can “dry their tears” (Agahozo) and “live in peace” (Shalom). Within this environment, the “rhythm of life” will be restored: a child rises from his/her bed in the morning, eats breakfast with siblings and “parents”, walks to school and back home in the afternoon. The result is healthy adults who are not only able to care for themselves and their families, but who are committed to making their community and the world a better place.”