“It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it.” (Pirkei Avot 2:16) As Jews, we are commanded to do our part to create a more just and equitable society. How we do so is up to us.
Here you’ll find a selection of 18 organizations from around the world, all doing incredible work in one of the following pillars of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world):
- Hunger, Food Insecurity & Access to Clean Water
- Mental and Physical Health & Wellness
- Prejudice, Discrimination & Oppression
- Refugees & Immigration
- Civic Engagement & Responsibility
- Education & Youth Empowerment
- Environmental Issues & Global Climate Change
- Homelessnes & Adequate Housing
ADL – No Place for Hate
USA
In 1913, ADL was founded on Jewish values that inform our work, how we operate and the changes we seek in the world. It has always meant stopping anti-Semitism and defending the Jewish people. Today, it also means fighting threats to our very democracy, including cyberhate, bullying, bias in schools and in the criminal justice system, terrorism, hate crimes, coercion of religious minorities, and contempt for anyone who is different.
Afrika Tikkun
South Africa
Afrika Tikkun was founded in 1994 with the goal of developing and uplifting young people in under-privileged communities in South Africa. We work to end child poverty and youth unemployment.
Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
Israel
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is a leading environmental studies and research institute in the Middle East. It houses accredited academic programs, research centers, and international cooperation initiatives focusing on a range of environmental concerns and challenges. With a student body comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and participants from around the world, the Arava Institute offers students an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading professionals while forming friendships and developing skills that enable them to lead the region and the world in solving today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
CADENA
Mexico
Cadena´s goal is to alleviate human suffering by reducing the vulnerability of populations living at constant risk of disasters and crises, fostering a culture of prevention and inclusion.
Chernobyl Children International
Ireland
Chernobyl Children International help families and communities that still suffer the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Through medical and community development programs, the NGO directly addresses the domino effect of poverty, poor health, and social impact that is the legacy of the disaster.
Clube Social Pertence
Brazil
Provide the feeling of belonging and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and families, through cultural experiences, leisure, intent, education and inclusion in the labor market.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
USA
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to end global pediatric HIV/AIDS through prevention and treatment programs, research, and advocacy.
Flying Fox
Australia
We provide social opportunities for young people with a disability. We strive to create an inclusive society by connecting people with a disability and the community. Every flying fox camp is a safe space for young people with a disability to make friends and have fun.
Friendship Circle
Australia
Friendship Circle creates friendship in the lives of individuals with special needs and those facing isolation while providing an opportunity to become a contributing member of the community. Through our programming, Friendship Circle aims to promote an inclusive community that values all individuals regardless of the challenges they face.
HIAS
USA
HIAS rescues people whose lives are in danger for being who they are. We protect the most vulnerable refugees, helping them build new lives and reuniting them with their families in safety and freedom. We advocate for the protection of refugees and assure that displaced people are treated with the dignity they deserve. Guided by our Jewish values and history, we bring more than 139 years of expertise to our work with refugees.
The Innocence Project
USA
The Innocence Project’s mission is to free the staggering number of innocent people who remain incarcerated, and to bring reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment.
Jewish Women International
USA
Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to empower women and girls by ensuring and protecting their physical safety and economic security, promoting and celebrating inter-generational leadership, and inspiring civic participation and community engagement.
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
USA
Advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. For more than 30 years, we have been fighting for systemic change. We refuse to accept that anyone in the United States or Israel struggles with hunger.
National Resource Defense Council
USA
NRDC works to ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water and the wild, and to prevent special interests from undermining public interests. NRDC experts use data and science to unearth the root causes of the problems that confront us. We use that information to blueprint transformative solutions, and we mobilize the support of partners, members, and activists to advocate for laws and policies that will protect our environment far into the future.
Nechama – Jewish Response to Disaster
USA
NECHAMA’s Programs aim to provide disaster-affected communities with the resources needed to not only rebuild after natural disasters, but also to enable these communities to better prepare for and respond to events in the future.
The Okra Project
USA
The Okra Project is a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever we can reach them.
SoulTalk
Israel
Soul Talk raises the awareness of combat trauma and builds legitimacy for every person who was in a combat situation to discuss and process their experiences.
Souper Troopers
South Africa
Souper Troopers provides specific events and services that allow the homeless to be seen and heard. Our aim is to share dignity, love and respect while empowering the Troopers to make sustainable changes in their lives.