January 2009 In the South of the Hemisphere the Summer has arrived!
Summer and holidays have come in the South of the Americas, and the end of the year here represents the end of a working period for JAG Judíos Argentinos GLBT (GLBT Argentinean Jews). JAG organized a big party to thank everyone for their effort and support. Almost 100 people gathered in Buenos Aires to dance, schmooze and spend a fun evening. People from all over the city and some visitors from abroad came to party. Music, drinks and some attempts at Israeli dance "Rikudim" were part of the wonderful night.
Two years ago, members of JAG were able to attend to the Latin American Jewish General Assembly where they presented their work within the gay community and the mainstream Jewish community as well. Ten members of JAG and other Jewish GLBT organizations from Latin America received a grant of 3000U$S from the World Congress of GLBT Jews to pay part of the expenses to go to the GA.
JAG has achieved major goals since then. Contacts made in there made us part of an umbrella organization named Fundación Judaica able to use their professional resources and buildings. JAG now has an office with a telephone and a big meeting room (100 people capacity) in a building of Fundación Judaica. JAG had also been granted money to pay for their first executive director, and professionalize the leading role in the organization, making the volunteer work more efficient and fulfilling. Since then JAG has been able to organize better, focus on its strengths and increase its fundraising capacity, having its first ever fundraising event 6 months ago! 100 people gathered in 10 different houses for a fundraising dinner! For all of that we also wanted to thank the WC and all their supporters. If it weren’t for the WC support JAG couldn’t have sent it representatives to the GA and maybe we wouldn’t be were we are now!
Two years later we have 600 members on our mailing list! With events that range from social to traditional, from educational to religious, from Jewish GLBT movies to organizing a Shabaton for pride week in Buenos Aires.
Were are happy to share this greats news with all the WC members!
JAG - Judios Argentinos GLBT