World AIDS Day
Today is World AIDS Day and, having spent this past summer in Uganda where I volunteered with an indigenous HIV/AIDS advocacy organization, AIDS awareness has particular resonance for me this year. Aside from listening to motivational speakers in the United States, I'd never had close contact with HIV-infected people before, nor had I been in an environment in which HIV/AIDS was mentioned as frequently as the common cold. It was not unusual for a Ugandan to walk into the tiny office where I volunteered and matter-of-factly identify herself as a "PWA" (person with AIDS). Often, she would ask about HIV/AIDS resources to help educate her family, friends, co-workers, or children.
Not surprisingly, a number of American Jewish women have been deeply involved in HIV/AIDS activism. Mathilde Krim and Abby Shevitz devoted their lives to HIV/AIDS research and have engaged in advocacy efforts for the rights of those affected by the disease. Learn about Mathilde Krim in This Day in History and about Abby Shevitz.
Amplify Jewish women’s stories—Donate now to Jewish Women’s Archive
Before you close this article, please consider starting the new year by supporting the Jewish Women’s Archive and uplifting Jewish women’s voices.
At JWA, we preserve the voices of Jewish women and gender-expansive people past and present, share them freely with millions online, and empower a new generation of Jewish feminists to lead with courage, creativity, and conviction.
But none of this happens without you. JWA is an independent nonprofit— we rely on people, like you, who believe that history belongs to all of us and that the voices of Jewish women must remain powerful, and heard.
Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us document, teach, and inspire through Jewish women’s stories.
It takes less than a minute to make a difference. Thank you for standing with JWA when it matters most.
Thank you for being a part of the JWA community,
Judith Rosenbaum, CEO
