Imagine what life was like before antibiotics. Or national child labor laws. A time when the life expectancy of the average man was about 55, and if he didn’t die of flu or pneumonia (among the leading causes of death) and was unlucky enough to be both poor and old, there was no government support to help him live with any dignity. Add to this picture the “war to end all wars” raging across Europe. And on New York’s shores, millions of immigrants arriving with nothing but their dreams and the clothes on their backs.
Such was life in 1917.
It was in response to these staggering needs that UJA-Federation was born 100 years ago. And, remarkably, it was also in 1917 that the equivalent entity in the Catholic community — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York — was founded.
It’s been said that coincidence is God’s way of being anonymous. Whether or not that’s true, it’s extraordinary that the Jewish and Catholic communities — without any coordination — both adopted the same new philanthropic model, recognizing the need to amplify their respective community’s charitable impact by pooling resources and coming together. However, the two organizations had nothing to do with each other in those years, perhaps unsurprising given the times.
Thankfully, things do change, and often for the better (let’s take a moment to appreciate penicillin).
Fast forward 100 years to this past Tuesday evening, when UJA-Federation and Catholic Charities were honored to share a centennial celebration, hosted by Mayor de Blasio at Gracie Mansion. Far more importantly, our two organizations work closely together every day to improve the quality of life for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
In his remarks at the reception, the mayor lauded the immense impact UJA-Federation and Catholic Charities have had over the last century. He also spoke about the critical partnership that exists between government and nonprofits. Unlike in 1917, today government funding is largely what keeps the safety net afloat, with a significant assist from philanthropy. A few months ago, I wrote about why cuts to government funding could undermine the care so many depend on. Mayor de Blasio and the City Council should be commended for taking important steps in the upcoming budget to increase funding, which will have a significantly positive impact across our city.
Today, 1917 is preserved in black-and-white memories, and while some challenges have been greatly mitigated, they haven’t been erased — hunger is still hunger, and the scourge of anti-Semitism remains. But there are also opportunities to lift people up and give them a chance at a better life that could not have been imagined back then. Employment and educational opportunities for those with disabilities. Emphasizing quality of life for the elderly and helping them age in place. Using technology to revolutionize how we connect people to one another and the services they need.
While so much has changed over a century, two principles have animated the work of both Catholic Charities and UJA-Federation from the start: the importance of building community and collective responsibility, and the idea that all people are created B’Tselem Elokim, in the image of God, and deserving of respect and dignity. With these abiding values, and standing shoulder to shoulder with friends like Catholic Charities, we’re committed to working harder than ever to meet the needs of all New Yorkers, in this city we proudly call home.
Shabbat shalom