AJWS has named Robert Bank as its new Executive Vice President. In this role, Bank will work closely with the international development organization’s president, Ruth Messinger, and vice presidents to oversee AJWS’s programmatic work, strategic planning and operations.

AJWS has recently awarded more than $5.7 million to 224 grassroots project partners in 33 countries. This total marks an increase of nearly $2 million over its last grants review in June.

In time for Passover, AJWS and AVODAH have launched the Exodus and Revolution Sourcebook, a comprehensive teaching guide to Exodus and Revolution, Michael Walzer’s book on the Exodus narrative and its enduring impact on Jewish contemporary life and global politics.

AJWS has released the following statement urging the Obama administration to heed threats of retaliation from Sudan’s president, Omar Al-Bashir, if a warrant for his arrest is issued from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) will send dozens of volunteers, ages 16 to 24, to the developing world in June to kick off the 15th year of Volunteer Summer, a program widely-known for combining global service, activism and Jewish learning.

AJWS recently sent a letter, signed by nearly 200 rabbis, urging Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to continue blocking attempts by the United Nations Security Council at delaying justice for Sudan’s president, Omar Al-Bashir.

Ruth W. Messinger, president of AJWS, today issued the following statement congratulating Barack Obama on his historic victory in the 2008 presidential election.