Where We Work

Project Kesher supports independent Jewish women’s organizations in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and Russian-speaking Israeli communities, serving Jewish women and their families across nine time zones.

THE NEED

The Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, ending an era of institutionalized anti-Semitism and more than seventy years of repression of the Jewish community.

30 years later, the emerging Jewish community continues to face many challenges. With an estimated 500,000 - 2 million Jews remaining in the region, building strong Jewish identity and developing communal leadership is essential to the future of Jewish life in the region. Thanks to PK-trained women leaders working in partnership with Jews from other parts of the world, Jews in this region have reclaimed their Jewish identities and enjoy growing and thriving community lives.

Many large organizations have supported the region through providing food and goods to families in need and funding community centers in central areas. Now, much of that funding is receding and JCCs are being closed throughout the region.

Project Kesher has invested in and trained over 4,000 grassroots leaders who know how to assess community needs and organize to implement solutions. Today, PK-trained leaders run organizations, programs, and groups throughout the Jewish community and in civil society in Belarus, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine. PK-supported organizations amassed thousands of collaborative partners in NGOs, academia, the media, and medical institutions.

Learn more about Project Kesher programs.

THE NEED IN ISRAEL

Our expansion into Israel was in response to the need for a Project Kesher-type program for that country’s Russian speaking population.

When 850,000 Russian-speaking immigrants, 300,000 of them women between the ages of 20 and 55, made aliyah in 1989, it was a cause for celebration in Israel.  But the reality of life in Israel for many did not live up to their expectations. Although often highly educated, they faced occupational, social and economic downgrading, were forced into menial service jobs and to the bottom of the social structure, and faced a humiliating loss of their personal identity.

It is estimated that one out of every six Jewish women in Israel today are Russian-speakers, many still struggling to assimilate into Israeli society, learn the language, earn a living and avoid feelings of social isolation.

 Project Kesher-Israel, with its cost-effective, grass-roots model, is uniquely positioned to effect change in Israel by empowering Russian-speaking women to be leaders and activists.  These women can reach deeply into the community, build Jewish identity, and influence change on key issues.

PROJECT KESHER IN THE UNITED STATES

Project Kesher in the US raises funds to support the work throughout our network and helps our sister organizations increase their own fundraising capacity.  Project Kesher offers trips to meet activists trained with our support, as well as educational programs in the US to encourage funders to include our work in their portfolios.  In addition, Project Kesher seeks US activists for our Board and with skills to advance our mission.

Donate today or contact Shira Pruce to learn more.

Project Kesher Cities