Croatia

Overview

Considered one of Yugoslavia’s wealthiest republics, Croatia’s economy was hurt badly by the often bitter fighting with Serb armies that followed its 1991 declaration of independence. Though its economic situation improved steadily after 2000, high unemployment, a growing trade deficit, and uneven regional development continued to plague the country, and there has been stiff resistance to privatization efforts and structural reforms. Croatia’s current involvement in the European Union’s accession process should accelerate reform efforts, and despite significant pressure from the global financial crisis, the country’s long-term growth prospects are strong.

Need

While Croatia’s economy has stabilized, the conversion to a market economy was difficult for elderly Holocaust survivors living on fixed pensions. A restitution settlement made with the government in 2000 allowed the Zagreb community to become financially independent and assume responsibility for welfare and cultural programs, but there is still a need for JDC’s assistance in reaching Jews in outlying communities.

Response

JDC orchestrated a massive relief operation during the 1991-95 war and has subsequently focused on activities and investments that will help ensure a vibrant Jewish life for Croatian Jewry. JDC’s efforts include:

• Support for the Lavoslav Schwartz Home for the Aged, an 80-bed facility welcoming Jews from all of the former Yugoslavia, the majority of whom are Holocaust survivors
• Assistance to the all-former Yugoslav Jewish children’s camp at Pirovac, which nurtures Jewish youth

Impact

As Croatian Jewry grows increasingly self-sufficient financially, JDC’s work focuses more on support and community building than on funding. However, its commitment to ensuring the well-being of elderly Holocaust survivors remains a priority. Because of JDC support:

• More than 130 needy Holocaust survivors have access to medicines, food programs, and medical and home care services
• Hundreds of Jews in the former Yugoslavia participate in regional gatherings and activities such as the Chanukah Caravan and the JDC Danube Weinberg Region annual event
• 40 youth from the former Yugoslavia have participated in the Beyachad cultural festival for the last two years
• 75 elderly participate in the annual Golden Age winter camp
• 110 children from the former Yugoslavia attend the JDC-supported summer camp in Pirovac, and 50 physically disabled children and orphans attend a JDC-IDP non-sectarian camp

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