Jennifer Mesrie, July 12, 2003

This summer of 2003, I along with 50 other Jewish college students from North America will be embarking on a mission to volunteer our time, talent, and labor in the service of Argentina and Uruguay’s Jews in need. In the spirit of tikkun olam – "fixing the world" and chesed – "charity," we will do all that we can to stand by our fellow Jews as well as raise awareness about this important global Jewish issue.

This past year has been a tough one for the Jewish people due to the continuing political and economic crises facing Jews in different parts of the world. For most of the 20th century, Argentina was considered one of the most developed and affluent countries in South America. In recent years, however, poor economic decisions, political instability, and corruption have all contributed to Argentina’s decline. Once the tenth richest country in the world, it is now a country struggling for its very survival.

Argentina is home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America, with more than 250,000 members. The economic crisis is taking its toll; the community has officially declared itself in a state of emergency. Many of the Jews are living below the poverty line, families have lost their homes, and the unemployment rate is sky-rocketing. Families are unable to buy food and supplies let alone send their children to Jewish schools. Synagogues have been converted into distribution centers, domestic violence has increased, and the number of welfare recipients in the community increased as well. To top it all off, there has been a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic acts perpetrated against the community. This situation is an unfortunate one.

As young and capable Jews, we will be going to Argentina to try and make a difference. We will visit the Jewish community in the interior of Argentina. We will bring in as much work and money as possible, but the actual physical presence is as helpful in the process of recovery. We will work with kids, with the elderly, with the poor, and unemployed. We will visit Jewish Orphanages, hospitals, and homes. We will do maintenance and rehabilitation work at Jewish facilities. We will set up soup kitchens and deliver food parcels to the needy. We will do activities with the elderly as well as go on trips with the kids. We will meet the people of the community, both young and old, and learn about their beautiful culture through social activities. The possibilities are endless.

These 50 very special students that will be devoting all of their time, money, work, patience, and understanding, will leave behind a lasting human and physical impact. The ways of solidarity deeply characterizes the Jewish experience throughout history. We must stand by our brothers. They must know that their plight is heard. Our volunteer relief work and physical presence in these communities will symbolize our solidarity with, compassion, and support for our fellow Jews during these difficult times.

If you would like to make a contribution for the Jews in Argentina, please mail a check [payable to Beth Am Shalom Synagogue] to: CDPA Dept. JM18, 203 Rockingstone Ave. Larchmont, NY 10538. Or call Jennifer Mesrie at (917) 696-5955 or Hune Margulies at (914) 833-7787.

Copyright © 2003 Jennifer Mesrie