December 8, 2009 / 21 Kislev 5770

The Jewish Federations of North America convened the JAFI-JDC Work group Monday to begin planning how to move toward reaching a new agreement on allocations for overseas needs with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

John Ruskay, Executive Vice President & CEO, UJA/Federation of New York, characterized the meeting as a "serious positive first conversation."

"This group created a table for fruitful and productive discussions, which included a review of key issues and initial brainstorming on the needs of our partners and gaining a greater understanding of the needs of the Jewish people worldwide," said Kathy Manning, chair of the Board of Trustees of The Jewish Federations of North America.

At an earlier meeting yesterday of the Executive Committee of The Jewish Federations of North America, it was decided to continue allocating funds on the agreed-upon formula of 75 percent for JAFI and 25 percent for JDC, until a new agreement is reached.

The JAFI-JDC Work Group met at the New York headquarters of The Jewish Federations of North America. The 25-member panel includes representatives of all city size Federations, as well as leadership of The Jewish Federations of North America.

The panel is scheduled to meet again in January, with JAFI and JDC, to continue these discussions.