March 14, 2025
Dear JYC Global Family,
This morning, we received devastating news: Our $500,000 award from USAID’s MEPPA program has officially been terminated, part of $2 billion in foreign aid cuts ordered by the Trump administration. This loss jeopardizes critical elements of our future programming.
Our USAID-supported proposal was designed to deepen JYC’s impact and expand our reach. The project would have:
- Continued to develop our comprehensive four-year curriculum to equip our singers with the tools to become powerful advocates for peace.
- Introduced uni-national programming for middle schoolers in East and West Jerusalem to help build understanding within each community before engaging in binational encounters.
- Piloted new JYC chapters beyond Jerusalem, expanding our mission to Israeli and Palestinian communities throughout the land.
While this setback is significant, we are determined to forge ahead. JYC has developed a robust fundraising plan to raise $1 million in 2025, but the sudden loss of these expected funds has created a time-sensitive and critical gap of $150,000. To continue our programming and maintain our momentum, we urgently need your support.
To learn more about how JYC is persevering and how you can help, join our Founder & Artistic Director, Micah Hendler, and our Director of Development, Jackie Dentino, for a one-hour Zoom session on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00pm EST. We’ll share updates on our current programs, upcoming US tours, funding opportunities, and strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The Jerusalem Youth Chorus (JYC) has always been so much more than a chorus. We are building a movement — a community of young leaders from East and West Jerusalem who refuse to let division define their future. Through music and dialogue, our singers are building a path toward peace, justice, and inclusion — even in times of conflict.
In moments like this, we are reminded why our work is so vital. In JYC, our singers — Palestinians and Israelis alike — prove that there is an alternative to violence. Together, we are raising voices that refuse to give in to despair. Please stand with us now to ensure these voices continue to be heard.
Thank you so much for being part of our global family.
With hope and harmony,
Micah, Amer, Jackie, and the Jerusalem Youth Chorus