Campaign 2007 Opening Event
The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania
in conjunction with
The Jewish Federation of Greater Wilkes-Barre
Alina Spaulding
"A JDC Miracle Story"
Sunday, September 10, 2006
The Woodlands
1073 Highway 315
Wilkes-Barre PA
5:30 PM
No admission charge All are welcome to attend
Courtesy transportation provided from the Scranton JCC
(Van leaves at 4:30 PM sharp)
A courtesy wine & hors dčoeuvres reception will
follow
RSVP 570-961-2300
(ext. 4)
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Alina Gerlovin Spaulding, the
keynote speaker at the 2005 United Jewish Communities (UJC) General Assembly in
Cleveland and the 2006 UJA/Federation Major Gifts Brunch & Pocono UJA
Dinner is a JDC success story for the world to hear.
She and her parents emigrated
to the U.S. in 1979 - but only after world pressure was brought to bear on the
former Soviet Union. Her father was a Soviet ski champion, but after a training
accident that left him paralyzed, the Soviet government refused to provide him
with the necessary medical care to save his life. The once privileged Gerlovin
family was reduced to unspeakable poverty. As he lay near death, the Joint Distribution
Committee (JDC) entered the picture being the only Jewish organization allowed
to function in the former Soviet Union. Providing him with all his medical
needs and nursing him back to health after having been written off as
"hopeless", the JDC bolstered by the world-wide Jewish community and
international pressure, opened the doors to freedom and brought the family to
America.
Alina has since dedicated her
life to humanitarian causes in the United States and has been the honored
speaker at major Jewish events across this country. Her awe-inspiring story is
a vindication of the Jewish spirit to survive despite any and all adversity and
confirms the vital role played by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) and the JDC in
the service of mankind.
We would be honored if you and your family could join us.