Armenia
Overview
Armenia has the second densest population of the former Soviet republics, but it has a very small Jewish population, estimated at only 600 individuals.
After having spent most of the second half of the 20th century as a Soviet republic, Armenia declared independence in 1991. But independence has not been without its challenges. Armenia was at war with Azerbaijan in the 1990s, during which time 30,000 people were killed and 1 million displaced. Continuing tensions between the two nations have resulted in a devastated economy and significant political instability.
Need
Armenia is a middle income country, yet 10% of the population lives on less than US$1.25 a day. Because of the ongoing conflicts, electricity, heat, public transportation, and health care are often not available. After the fall of communism, many of the younger Jewish population made aliyah to Israel, leaving behind an aging and isolated community of elderly Jews.
This small community is at risk and cannot support those in need by itself. Winters are bitterly cold and, with heat unreliable, the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Due to the poverty and age of the population, the needs of this community are great.
Response
JDC works to ensure this community is provided with the resources necessary for survival. Through its network of Hesed welfare centers, JDC ensures that community members receive:
- Home care, which includes laundry, cleaning, and bathing
- Food cards to purchase groceries
- Urgent medical care and special needs like home repairs
- Doctor visits, medicines, winter relief, and repair services for assistive equipment like eyeglasses and hearing aids. JDC’s Jewish Community Centers provide support and social interaction for this increasingly isolated group.
Impact
In almost two decades of work in Armenia, JDC has helped this small community meet critical basic needs. Some recent numbers include:
- Nearly 200 clients depend on food cards to purchase food at their local supermarkets
- More than 40 clients receive medical consultations annually
- Almost 4,360 hours of home care are provided each year to approximately eight clients
- 125 at-risk children and their families receive basic food, medical, and clothing assistance
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