With so many charities that need our help, how do we possibly choose who to give to? Well, below are four suggestions that come to us straight from Jewish teens that have done their homework.

Hadassah
by Mike Landes

Hadassah is the Women's Zionist Organization of America. This institution was started in 1912 by Henrietta Szold, a dedicated Jewish activist who gave her life to the strengthening of the Jewish culture and its connection to the land of Israel. Hadassah has followed in her footsteps and ideals, promoting education and Zionist youth programs. It has also branched out beyond these commitments, especially in the field of health awareness.

I know many women connected strongly to Hadassah (one of which happens to be my own mother). I have a deep respect for this organization, as it represents one of our strongest ties to Israel. Hadassah has many programs for the betterment of the soul and its connection to Judaism, all of which can be viewed at their web site www.hadassah.org.

Anti-Defamation League
by Sheli Chabon

The Anti-Defamation League, or ADL, strives to "stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens."

Did you know, France witnessed a six-fold increase in anti-Semitic acts from 2001 to 2002, housing over 330 incidents in Paris alone? Or that approximately 500 anti-Semitic websites exist in the U.S. alone? ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry both in the United States and abroad, serving both specific victims of bigotry and foreign governments, acting as a resource in assessing and counteracting anti-Semitism and intolerance in their countries. The organization provides many services, including anti-bias training in schools, hospitals, the workplace, and with military personnel, though the most important of which is the spread of knowledge. Through programs, publications and contact with officials, ADL interprets Israel to U.S. policy-makers, the media and the American public, seeking to explain the political and security issues confronting Israel, (such as the complexities of the peace process) as well as urges support of Israel, explaining why a strong Israel is important and valuable to the United States and the Western world. For more information, visit www.adl.org.

Mazon: a Jewish Response to Hunger
by Emily Abramovich

Founded in 1986, Mazon is a Jewish organization whose mission has been "to provide food, help, l and hope to hungry people of all faiths and backgrounds." Mazon, the Hebrew word for "food," allows Jews across the United States to participate in helping to feed the millions of people that go hungry every day. Mazon is funded in a very unique way. People participating in Jewish Life Cycle events, such as weddings, and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs provide help by donating three percent of the costs of the celebrations to Mazon. Contributions are also made in honor of or in memory of loved ones and friends of the Jewish community.

People of the Jewish community designate donations "to the most effective hunger relief organizations in the United States, Israel, and in poor countries worldwide." Mazon has spread Tikkun Olam to reach out to people that struggle to provide food for their families. For more information, visit www.mazon.org.

The Central Organization of Iranian Immigrants in Israel
by Judith Simons

The Central Organization of Iranian Immigrants in Israel is focused around bringing Iranian Jews to Israel and helping them adapt to Israeli culture and life. This dedicated organization publishes works in the Farci language and provide stipends for Farci-speaking students in many universities. Along with cultural evenings and hospital humanitarians the Central Organization of Iranian Immigrants in Israel helps integrate Oppressed Iranian Jews into the wonderful and liberated Israeli life.

This organization is meaningful in a way that is close to my heart because one of my closest friends is an Iranian Jew. Iran underwent a horrible revolution under the leader Khomeni who was extremely anti-Semitic. It was extremely hard for Jews to leave and many Jews were raped, executed, and put in prison. Although life in Iran is getting better, the Jews still face a great deal of anti-Semitism. It is important to offer these Iranian Jews a life in which they can embrace their Judaism. For more information, contact them at 16 Aliya St. Tel Aviv 61020 ISRAEL.

Reprinted from The B'nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program, a project of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.