Foreword

Few could have predicted the extraordinary turnaround in the world's financial markets during the past year. From a booming economy in 2007 we suddenly experienced falling property prices, job cuts and, inevitably, increased pressure on Jewish welfare organisations, as more people in the Community urgently required financial assistance, welfare services and emotional support.

The governments of both the UK and Israel already rely heavily on welfare charities to fill the gap between demand and provision and they have for some time been struggling with the escalating costs of caring for an ageing, more needy population. The credit crunch will place an even greater burden upon them and it is vital that traditional donors do not desert them at this time.

The knock-on effect of this could well affect smaller charities, especially those that have limited funds to promote their work or those that are perceived as less urgently in need of support, such as cultural and educational organisations. The UK's Jewish community is often commended for the excellence of its welfare organisations but they cannot exist on praise alone and they must continue to receive our unstinting support, but at the same time we should not abandon those who strive to protect our rich and diverse cultural and religious heritage by providing social, cultural and educational courses and facilities.

The 'credit crunch' has hit most countries - some with more impact than others - and we should also take care to support those Jewish charities that work in both Jewish and non-Jewish communities throughout the world to alleviate poverty and provide basic education for the next generation.

The majority of Jewish charities are funded entirely by voluntary donations and bequests. Please demonstrate your support for them all by making a donation today - or by specifically naming Jewish charities in your Will.

It is not only our duty, it is our privilege.

Editors: Sharon Graham and Alan Gold

Please note: The editors accept no responsibility for any information given to them by individual charities about their work or charitable status, which is accepted in good faith, as are the opinions voiced by the authors of the extended editorials featured at the front of the Guide.