Beginning in 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) sent a great deal of assistance to Jews in war-torn Europe. This text describes the work of Ralph Goldman, who joined the JDC in 1968 and became a central figure in the Committee's efforts to reach out to Jews behind the Iron Curtain. Coverage includes such topics as the "Package Program" which sent relief to Russian Jews in the form of blue jeans which could be sold for the price of an exit visa. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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The biography of a remarkable man driven by a simple missionto help those in need, wherever they are foundand the story of an organization, which has, since 1914, sponsored rescue, relief and reconstruction programs throughout the world. Founded over 85 years ago as a response to the plight of Palestinian Jews caught up in the agony of World War I, the American Joint Distribution Committee (alternately known as the "JDC" or "The Joint") is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, apolitical, humanitarian relief agency whose work is deliberately low-profile because so much of it depends on secret negotiations with foreign governments. Its mission has taken its representatives to Western Europe after World War II ("the Jewish Marshall Plan"), to the establishment of the state of Israel, to the former Soviet Union, and to Africa and India. As an activist and leader in the organization since the 1960s, Ralph Goldman is the heart and soul of the JDC. He played a key role in Israel's formative years, and has been on the front lines of the JDC's humanitarian efforts worldwide. Currently the Honorary Executive Vice President of the JDC, Goldman still plays an active role in the organization today. Following Goldman's career, we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the post-WWII political and social landscape, and a picture of how one man's compassion can profoundly affect the lives of many. 30 b/w photos.
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