Throughout the world, there seems to be an epidemic rise of antisemitism. How extraordinary that in the rural villages of Congo, we are experiencing a totally different response. Tamara, the Chief of Party for International Medical Corps in Congo, told us that in the remote area around our Chambucha Rape and Crisis Center, more than 30,000 people know Jewish World Watch. They know that Jews, whose ancestors were slaves in Egypt in Biblical times, came halfway around the world to help them. They know that we are here with our feet on the ground, hands at the ready and hearts open, hoping to work with them to make a difference in their lives and their country.
Yesterday we went to Mumosho. The entire village –men, women and children– came out to greet us as we dedicated the Center for Pregnant Teens, now serving as a full community center. The children were all wearing JWW hats, and they created a huge JWW banner that includes pictures of JWW’s many programs and services.
These communities now know that we, as Jews, look upon them as our brothers and sisters and that together we repair the world. And they know the story of Dillon Henry –one Jewish boy who died too young — whose spirit of helping others will continue to live in their village. Dillon’s face will smile down on all who enter the Center. I feel very proud to be here as a representative of JWW, because, to me, the work of JWW reflects the true meaning of being Jewish– changing one life at a time.