JCA president David Balkin at this year’s fundraising gala in August. Photo: Giselle Haber

CHANTAL ABITBOL

TOUGH economic times have put a dent in the Jewish Communal Appeal’s (JCA) fundraising efforts this year, with the group reporting close to a $1 million shortfall compared to last year’s campaign.

JCA chief executive Ian Sandler told The AJN that this year’s campaign, which ended last month, raised a total of $11.5 million compared to around $12.3 million secured in the last appeal.

The shortfall comes at a time when JCA has reported a surge in requests from Jewish organisations seeking financial relief after the recent economic downturn.

Sandler, however, said it was not entirely unexpected. “Everyone is tightening their belts,” he said.

“Some of our strong supporters have experienced significant financial hardship over the past year and are not able to do as much as they usually do.”
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