Director's Note

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

2020 was a year of unexpected challenges for the whole world, as well as the Jerusalem African Community Center and the African asylum seeker community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic over half of the community has been out of work since March and because of their status they are unable to access any unemployment or government aid. This has led to an extreme humanitarian crisis in Jerusalem with asylum seekers unable to afford food, rent or medical care. 

As we have struggled through this year and multiple nationwide lockdowns, we have seen just how vital our organization is to the 3,000 asylum seekers and persons without civil status living in Jerusalem. As the only NGO working with this population we have had to adapt and grow beyond our regular programming. We are constantly working to advocate for the community and provide them with the assistance they so desperately need. 

As we head into 2021, it is clear that JACC’s role will continue to grow as the community copes with the impacts of the virus. Now is the time for all of us who care about the African asylum seekers to come together.

Now is the time to ensure the African asylum seeker community remains safe and healthy. 

It is time to guarantee that JACC can continue to provide food, diapers, baby formula, money and children’s medical insurance. 

Now is the time to advocate for the rights of the community.

It is time to make sure that the medical and employment rights of individuals are protected.

Now is the time to guarantee that all children in Jerusalem are able to achieve their academic potential.

It is time to support JACC’s efforts to ensure that children can continue learning throughout the crisis.

Now is the time to maintain a secure, warm home for the community in Jerusalem.

It is time to help JACC continue to succeed as the only NGO helping the city’s 3,000+ asylum seekers and persons without civil status.

Chanukah and Christmas are the time of giving.

It is the time to bring light to those less fortunate than us.

Now is the time to give generously to JACC’s 2020 Annual Campaign. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy holiday and a safe and healthy 2021,

Josie

But if your gaze is focused there,

Do not be fooled by what you see

Because the poverty and distress are temporary,

And the people will soon be strong once again.

It may be hard for you to imagine,

But before they fell into the abyss,

The Eritrean people were at the height of their glory,

The Kingdom of Aksum an empire of trade,

Was like Rome, China, and ancient India.

If some of you did not know these things – now you do.

I insist that whoever loves Israel 

Should heed my words, and not support the 

Severing of the chain of the people who will be restored

One day as the most important in Africa.

If someone is paying attention,

I beseech you to cease this haughtiness toward

The refugees and be sure to accept them

As the other countries of the world have accepted them

If you do not,

There will be consequences on the day after.