Tunisia
Overview
Tunisia is a small, moderately progressive country in North Africa bordered by Algeria and Libya. More than 95% of the population has completed at least a primary education; only 2% of the population lives on less than $1/day.
Jews first came to the territory of modern-day Tunisia in ancient times, perhaps as far back as the First Temple period. Jewish communities in contemporary Tunisia are small, and are situated in the northern cities of Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse, the southern city of Zarzis, and on the island of Djerba. Due to a high birthrate and little emigration, the Jewish community of Djerba is growing even as the Jewish population in the north continues to decline.
Need
The small remaining Jewish population enjoys the protection of the Tunisian government. However, the Jews of Tunisia still need support for their Jewish education programs to preserve their heritage and traditions. Supplementary support from abroad is also necessary to provide adequately for the welfare and medical needs of elderly Jews.
Response
JDC helps to underpin the Jewish schools financially in order to:
- Ensure quality education by training teachers and providing appropriate materials
- Modernize the curricula
- Renovate and maintain the school facilities in Tunis, Djerba, and Zarzis
In addition, JDC—together with the Claims Conference and the Jewish Community of Tunis—funds essential medical care, medications, and clinical treatment for needy Holocaust survivors and other poor elderly.
Impact
JDC promotes self-sufficiency in the Tunisian Jewish community while making sure that the basic needs of the most at-risk individuals are met. Some examples of JDC’s impact include:
- 20+ sick and poor elderly receive monthly relief assistance, including home care and improvements in basic living conditions as needed
- 75 needy Holocaust survivors receive essential subsidies for medical care
- A modern old age home supported by JDC provides a residence for 30+ needy and lonely elderly
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