China & Myanmar

Overview

A man stands in front of a Synagogue in China China is the most populous country in the world, home to 1/5 of the global population. It has experienced significant economic growth in the last decade but is still considered a lower-middle income country with a poverty rate around 16%. During World War II and its aftermath, JDC operated a massive relief program in Shanghai, caring for some 15,000 Jews from Central and Eastern Europe who’d found refuge there from the Nazi horrors.

Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia and has been ruled by its military since 1962.

Need

The Jewish communities in China and Myanmar are very small and isolated communities. The greatest need is to provide a small number of indigent individuals with financial assistance to enable them to live in dignity.

Response

JDC provides cash grants in China and social assistance in Myanmar.

Impact

In China, JDC provides 2 elderly individuals with bi-annual cash grants
In Myanmar, JDC provides social assistance to 6 Jews
Following Cyclone Nargis, JDC provided assistance to the tiny Jewish community in Yangon, funding repairs to the synagogue and purchasing a generator and water purification tablets

» Return to Asia

China and Myanmar at a Glance:

JDC Working in China Since: 1940
In Myanmar Since: 1984

Estimated Jewish Population:
1,500 (China),
8 (Myanmar)

Total Population:
1.33 billion (China),
53.3 million (Myanmar)

Additional Resources

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