“To save a life is to save a universe”

The Union for Reform Judaism has set a goal of raising funds for 50,000 insecticide-treated bed nets. And on Friday, December 14, it was announced that URJ is on its way – reaching one fifth of its goal in just a few short months! This announcement came during URJ’s Biennial Conference in San Diego, at which Nothing But Nets was a featured partner. At the conference alone, over $5,000 was raised for life-saving nets! 

That same afternoon, Jeffrey Sachs, American economist and Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, gave a speech to several thousand conference delegates in which he called on the members of URJ to take on malaria. “No one can be neglected,” he said. “We cannot leave people to die anymore, we have a mutual responsibility.”

Going on, Jeffrey Sachs highlighted the need for grassroots local leadership: “We cannot wait for Washington and we cannot depend on Washington. We have to depend on us and what we can do in our communities.”

And that is just what the Union for Reform Judaism is doing – URJ is taking on the issue of malaria at the local level, developing mitzvah projects, engaging NFTY youth groups, and enabling congregations around the country to send nets and save lives. To join the Union for Reform Judaism’s effort and help members reach their goal, visit http://www.globalproblems-globalsolutions.org/site/TR/Events/NBN/1153021358?pg=team&fr_id=1040&team_id=1515.