Jewish World Watch

In response to the promise "never again," Jewish World Watch is an organization that calls the community to acknowledge genocides around the world, specifically Darfur. Started by Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis of Valley Beth Shalom, the mission statement includes three aspects: education, advocacy and refugee relief. Jewish World Watch offers several volunteer opportunities for all ages. The first opportunity is working within the office located in Encino. Teenagers who are interested in getting involved can participate in ACT (Activists' Certification Training). Teens interested should contact Naama at the phone number given above. In order to receive their certification, participants must complete a project in each of the three fields articulated in the mission statement: education, advocacy and refugee relief. Projects available for the general public include the solar cooker project and the backpack project. The solar cooker project is designed to protect Sudanese women from leaving their refugee camps in order to collect firewood. Women collecting firewood used to cook their meals are in danger of rape. Jewish World Watch's solar cookers are an alternative way of cooking that allows Sudanese women to stay in the relative safety of their refugee camps. Jewish World Watch's backpack project provides backpacks filled with essentials for Sudanese children living in refugee camps in Chad. Participants should fill the backpacks with school supplies, toiletries, and shoes to allow a child in the refugee camp to receive an education.