In 1987, JDC established the prestigious Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship in International Jewish Service in honor of Ralph I. Goldman, JDC’s honorary executive vice president, whose extraordinary commitment to Jewish public service spans more than five decades in the United States and Israel.

An activist and leader in Jewish affairs all his life, Ralph I. Goldman is the heart and soul of JDC. Both Ralph and the ‘Joint’ were born in 1914 – Ralph in Ukraine and the ‘Joint’ in New York City. Ralph has dedicated his life to the Jewish people, first by assisting David Ben Gurion during the founding of Israel, then serving as Executive Vice President of JDC during the 1970s and 1980s, where he established JDC’s critical role in Israel and brought vital assistance to Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Ralph Goldman is a pivotal figure in global Jewish life and continues to inspire people all over the world.

The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship is typically awarded to one person annually and is a one-of a-kind, paid, professional development opportunity to live and work in overseas locations where JDC is active, and engage with the inner workings of the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization. The Fellowship will have a transformational impact on international Jewish life and the fellow’s understanding of complex global Jewish issues.

The Fellowship is unique from year to year, as each fellow works with JDC staff to identify and design their placements. These placements are also shaped by timely and critical situations identified by JDC and in consideration of the special qualifications of the individual fellow.

JDC is looking for the best young Jewish thinkers and doers – writers, artists, policy shapers, business innovators, and community builders – there is no single profile that fits. We are looking for leaders in their field who have the promise to influence the future of Jewish life and the world.

For additional information, visit JDC’s website.

Letters of intent are due no later than December 30, 2010.