Dear Andy,

It's often said that life without love is just wasted time.

If that's true — and I think it is — then many of the Jews we work with and serve around the world are using their time well. Whether as volunteers delivering life-saving aid to vulnerable Jews in the former Soviet Union or young leaders cultivating a Jewish future in Europe and Latin America, these heroes are guided by a deep and abiding love for their fellow Jews.

At JDC, that very same passion drives our century-plus mission — to build our collective strength and leave no Jew behind, especially when it feels like the odds are stacked against us.

That's why, on Tu B'av, the Jewish Day of Love, I want to share these powerful stories — narratives you helped write with your generous support of our global work.  

A Jewish Matchmaker in Rural Hungary   Jewish leaders Judit Ungár and Peter Selmeci credit one JDC program for sparking their decades-long partnership.   Meet Judit & Peter >>

Love and Loss in Kazakhstan   After they met each other at a film studio one afternoon, Alina and Boris Berlimble walked arm in arm through 68 years of marriage.   Watch Alina & Boris's Story >>

The Backbone of a Strong Relationship   Menbere Solomon Hailu and Moges Bayabel Semene's love story — originally shared in 2023 — began in the most unlikely of venues: the JDC spine clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.   Learn About Menbere & Moges >>

The Recipe for a Sweet Marriage   Sharon Benmayor's grandmother Gilda used to mail her homemade apple jam from Greece. When Sharon got married, Gilda prepared more than 400 jars for the guests!   Get The Recipe >>

I hope you find these profiles as inspiring as I do. Today and every day, let's celebrate the love that unites us — and help write many more stories of strength, resilience, and joy for our global Jewish family.

Happy Tu B'Av,

Heather Morgan

Managing Director, Global Marketing and Communications