JDC’s Global Vision  inspires the creation of regional strategies tailored to the specific realities in existence in worldwide Jewish communities.

JDC's Africa-Asia Regional Strategy

Overview: Tunisia
Members of Tunisia’s small, remaining Jewish population and their institutions are divided between the northern cities of Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse and the island of Djerba and Zarzis in the south. While the Jewish population in the north continues to decline, the Djerban community is growing due to high birthrates and minimal emigration. Djerba today is home to a strong and vibrant Jewish community and is proud of its distinctive history and traditions. However, ensuring the community’s continuity through its Jewish education system is a primary concern for Jews in the region.

To address that concern and with the goal of helping the community sustain the institutions necessary for Jewish life, JDC has been providing financial support for all of Tunisia’s Jewish schools while striving to improve their educational quality and modernize their facilities. To meet the daily needs of the elderly, sick, and poor, JDC also cooperates with the Jewish community and the Claims Conference.

To ensure the community’s financial and operational autonomy, JDC is also helping develop a local and international fund-raising initiative that will enable the community to build relationships and exchanges with other organizations and individuals overseas.

Tunisia Current Programs