JACC - Building a Strong Community Together

#Community. Home. Future. As the holidays approach and we all feel the warmth of family and home, it’s hard to believe that a community of refugees and people without status has been living in Israel for over a decade — without basic rights. In Jerusalem, some 2,500 refugees and people without status from Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan reside — most of them families with children born here. These children were born into a future full of uncertainty, while their families struggle every day without access to basic rights. JACC – Jerusalem African Community Center – has been serving the community for over a decade, providing support across all aspects of life: legal and psycho-social assistance, community resilience groups, programs for children and youth, adult education, and cultural events – ensuring that everyone can find community, home, and hope for a better future. Over the past year, we’ve made a real impact: • 236 people received psycho-social support, including emotional support, financial aid, and professional guidance • 480 people accessed legal support and rights advocacy • 60 children and youth participated in weekly programs • 750 community members took part in educational and cultural activities • 50 adults attended Hebrew and English classes • Over 100 participants joined our summer programs All of this was made possible thanks to our small, dedicated team, 100 incredible volunteers, and all our partners and supporters. Yet the reality continues to worsen. The state enacts harmful laws, blocks essential services, and closes doors. Under these harsh conditions, families are forced to raise children without basic rights, without security, and without a clear future. But at JACC, we don’t give up. Despite the complexity of the situation in Israel, we work to build a diverse, tolerant, and inclusive community. How we treat refugees is a measure of our democracy – and of our values of compassion, equality, and tolerance. And now, thanks to you, families can access support, education, and social opportunities – and give their children real hope for a brighter future. Join us – together we are building a community where everyone can feel safe, belong, and have a future 💛 Support, share, and be part of JACC