What does World Jewish Relief?

We support the world’s poorest Jewish communities and respond to international disasters.

How was World Jewish Relief founded?

1933 How it began The Central British Fund for German Jewry or CBF (now World Jewish Relief) is established after Hitler came to power to rescue Jews from persecution in Germany.

Where is World Jewish Relief based?

London, England
World Jewish Relief

The Central British Fund for World Jewish Relief
Founded	1933
Headquarters	London, England (UK)
Area served	Worldwide
Chair of Trustees	Maurice Helfgott

Why do the Jews not practice cremation?

Jewish law and tradition consider cremation as destruction of property. Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, also holds that the soul does not immediately depart the body. Rather, it slowly leaves the body as it decomposes; cremation therefore is considered to cause pain, even after death.

What is the difference between tzedakah and charity?

While the word is used interchangeably for charity, tzedakah is seen as a form of social justice provided by the donor as well as those who utilize the support to do their work and those who allow the support into their lives.

Why is tzedakah important to Jews?

Tzedakah in action Tzedakah means ‘charity’. It refers to the Jewish obligation, or mitzvah , of giving to charity as well as supporting social justice. Giving tzedakah is one of the most important commandments for Jews. It is taught that Jews should give tzedakah because they want to, and not because they have to.

Do Jews get circumcised?

In Israel, neonatal male circumcision is routine practice. According to Jewish law, circumcision is the physical representation of the covenant between God and Abraham described in the Old Testament and is required for the inclusion of males in the Jewish faith.

Are Jews required to give to charity?

Expressed in Hebrew, the Jewish concepts of tzedakah (charitable giving), tzedek (justice) and chesed (mercy or kindness) instruct and compel all Jews to give to charity and treat people who are less fortunate with compassion.

What is the highest form of charity in Judaism?

It is commonly held that Judaism holds anonymous giving as the highest form of charity – a characteristically Jewish form of philanthropy championed by the preeminent philosopher Moses Maimonides (1135–1204 CE).

What does World Jewish Relief do for refugees?

World Jewish Relief was established to rescue refugees from Nazi Europe in 1933, and today our charity is committed to helping refugees rebuild their lives, particularly through employment programmes.

How is the Jewish community responding to the global refugee crisis?

The refugee story is close to home for many within the Jewish community and these experiences underpin our response to the current global refugee crisis, both here in the UK and overseas. In 2015 and 2016 when millions were fleeing Syria, we provided emergency relief including shelter, food and medical care to refugee camps in Greece.

How is Europe dealing with the refugee crisis?

Read on for rolling news updates or scroll further down for a full explainer on Europe’s refugee crisis. – Migrants are being taken in boats from Greece to Turkey as part of a new EU deal to deport failed asylum seekers. Almost 6,000 migrants are awaiting deportation in detention centres on the Greek islands.

How many refugees have reached Europe in 2016?

By the end of 2016, nearly 5.2 million refugees and migrants reached European shores, undertaking treacherous journeys from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries torn apart by war and persecution. For some, this desperate journey will be their last.