Harnessing the Power of Debt Cancellation to Fight Hunger, Poverty & Injustice

Debt is one of the primary stumbling blocks impending development for poor countries who must spend limited resources on foreign debt payments rather than on healthcare and education. 

Because Jubilee has a vested interest in repairing the world, tikkun olam, we would like to invite your Jewish community to become involved in our efforts.

Why Join Jubilee?

Although the Jubilee campaign has made great progress, the debt continues to be oppressive in many countries, and there is still a great deal of work to do. Fighting for debt relief is a way to make a significant impact in the lives of millions of people in poor countries. Jewish texts, commentary and tradition are aware of the necessity of providing relief for those in need. 

The great scholar Maimonides, for example, wrote that it is the greatest mitzvah to provide a means of self sufficiency. Working for debt relief is a way to help impoverished nations break free from dependence on foreign nations and provide for themselves.

Textual Support from the Torah

• "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." (Leviticus 25:10)
• "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he hath lent unto his neighbor: he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother; because the lords release hath been proclaimed." (Deuteronomy 15)

Jubilee Congregations Program

Jubilee USA Network has launched the Jubilee Congregations interfaith program for religious communities across the country to learn about Jubilee and do more for lifesaving debt relief. Jubilee Congregations participate through raising awareness and taking action such as letter writing campaigns to government officials. We would like to invite you to learn more about becoming a Jubilee Congregation by visiting our Jubilee Congregations web page.