Points of Pride

Rabbi Eliezer AvtzonFounded in 1992 by Rabbi Eliezer Avtzon and a dedicated group of individuals, GJARN is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing non-sectarian humanitarian assistance and medical relief throughout the Newly Independent States of the Former Soviet Union, with the primary focus in Russia and Ukraine.  GJARN also runs urgently needed programs in Israel and New York.

GJARN supporters are people from all walks of life who share GJARN’s commitment and dedication to relieving the pain and suffering of people around the world, most especially those in remote areas where aid is scarce or often non-existent. 

Hundreds of Containers of FoodGJARN’s programs provide immediate relief with food, clothing and pharmaceuticals; improve primary medical care and health conditions; and promote the development of civil society.

GJARN’s working philosophy rests on the fundamental principles of: 

  •    Helping people directly.

  •    Developing a grassroots infrastructure.

  •   Creating long-term solutions that enable people to become self-sufficient.

Wherever there is a need, that is where you will find GJARN’s humanitarian programs, reaching out to those in need.

 We attribute our rapid growth to the fact that have a simple approach -- we see problems and find direct, effective cost-efficient solutions.  What makes GJARN particularly unique is that we: 

  • We address the needs of those who are the least served.

  • We reach people even in the most remote places where transportation is difficult.

  • We care for people who have no families nearby for support.

  • We focus on people who live under the poverty level of their country.  

GJARN also prides itself on its cooperative efforts.  We partner with local, grassroots, non-profits in the countries in which we work.  This enables us to reduce costs thereby making your donated dollars go much further.  We keep our administrative costs at only 4%, enabling 96% of your contribution to go directly into programs which feed hungry people.  At the same time, by working hand in hand, we are strengthening the local non-profits and helping them achieve self-sufficiency.

Points of Pride

The Global Jewish Assistance and Relief Network:

  •       Has provided humanitarian aid in the Former Soviet Union and other countries of need around the world since its inception as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization in 1992.

  •   Has been awarded many grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  and USAID in recognition of its accountability and efficiency in carrying out humanitarian distributions.

  • Has shipped and distributed 11,880,000 pounds of lifesaving USDA surplus food to date as well as  more than 148 privately donated large containers of food, clothing and pharmaceuticals. 

  • Has scheduled shipments of 25,720 tons (56,584,000 pounds) of assorted healthy foods for distribution beginning October 1999 in more than 137 cities throughout Russia.

  • Was awarded a certificate of commendation from the U.S. Department of State in recognition of outstanding service to the people of the Former Soviet Union.

  •  Was rated (based on results of on-site evaluations) by World Learning /USAID as one of the top three organizations to promote the growth of civil society in the Former Soviet Union.

  • Is establishing a state-of-the-art American Jewish Medical Center in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine to serve needy populations, free of charge.  This $5,000,000 project is currently under construction.

  • Is establishing the first Jewish Home for the Elderly in the Former Soviet Union in partnership with the Jewish Community of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

  • Has established the following Food Programs:

  • Meals on Wheels

  • Soup Kitchens

  • Bread and Milk Programs

  • Monthly Food Packages

  • Has established the following Medical Programs:

  • Satellite Medical Offices

  • Distribution of donated medical equipment and pharmaceuticals

  • Training of physicians in the Former Soviet Union

  •  Distribution of toys for hospitalized children

  • Has established the following Cultural Programs:

  • Distribution of holiday needs and religious articles to Jewish communities

  • Sponsorships of weddings and Bar Mitzvahs

  • Reclaiming of Jewish Buildings

  • Distribution of Bris Milah supplies to Jewish centers

  • Has promoted Self-Sufficiency through the founding of a:

  •  National Legal and Lobbying Association for the Poor and Disabled

  • Service center for non-profits to obtain global access to aid

  • Training Center for non-profits in Law and Democracy