Hillel Center at Buenos Aires University

A few years ago, the collapse of Argentina’s economy plunged most of the country’s Jews into poverty. Middle-class professionals and small businessmen were among those hit hardest. They lost their businesses, jobs, and savings. Many lost their homes.

United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, working with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and The Jewish Agency, has responded by providing support for families going to Israel; food packages, clothing, and emergency cash assistance; social workers to help people deal with their changed life situations; job training; and resources to maintain the quality of Jewish life.

In this time of economic collapse, going to college presents many difficulties. The new Hillel Center at Buenos Aires University serves students attending this highly-regarded, free, state university. Many cannot afford supplies, books, transportation, or even food. As a result, many have to give up their studies. Some are in danger of assimilation because their economic status embarrasses them in front of their middle-class Jewish peers. And those who cannot obtain an education are likely to continue the cycle of family poverty into the next generation.

The Hillel Center at Buenos Aires University will serve 6,000 students. Ninety percent live with their parents, about 900 of whom live below the poverty line and receive help from Jewish welfare centers. Hillel will provide low-priced lunches Monday through Friday, tutoring, employment services in cooperation with the JDC, Jewish studies courses, advice on postgraduate studies in Israel in cooperation with the Jewish Agency, and social and cultural events.

Hillel is seeking $60,000 over the next three years, to be matched by leaders in Argentina, to support of opening of the Hillel Center. Your contribution of any amount up to that sum will be matched and therefore worth twice its value. It will serve as a link to attract potential young donors willing to work and learn from their American peers, and will continue and develop the relationship between UJC MetroWest and the Jewish community of Argentina. 

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