The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is pleased to present the Fred and Ellen Lewis JDC Archives Fellowship, established in 2011 with a generous gift to the JDC Archives from the estate of Ellen Lewis, a former JDC employee who worked for JDC from 1947 - 1985. One or two fellowships will be awarded each year to deserving scholars engaged in graduate level, post-doctoral, or independent study to conduct research in the JDC Archives, either in New York or Jerusalem. Research topics in the fields of twentieth century Jewish history, general history, and humanitarian assistance will be considered, as well as other areas of academic research covered in the JDC archival collections. The amount granted will range from $2000 to $5000 per fellow.

The JDC Archives documents the relief, rescue and rehabilitation activities of the organization, from its inception in 1914 to the present. The repository houses one of the most significant collections in the world for the study of modern Jewish history. Comprising the organizational records of JDC, the overseas rescue, relief, and rehabilitation arm of the American Jewish community, the archives includes over 3 miles of text documents, 100,000 photographs, 1100 audio recordings, 1300 video recordings, 95 oral histories, and 157 recorded historic speeches and broadcasts.

Selection of Fellows

Candidates must submit applications to the JDC Archives online. An Academic Advisory Committee consisting of leading scholars and members of the JDC Archives Committee will be responsible for selecting the fellows. Applicants must include an essay detailing the relevance of the JDC archival collection(s) to their proposed research, and if possible, indicate specific material(s) to be consulted, such as documents, photographs and audiovisual materials.

Fellowship Details

• Stipends may be used towards travel, transportation, and living expenses.
• Funds may not be used for family members.
• Fellowship holders agree to submit a brief report and presentation on their research activities upon conclusion of their fellowships.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to click the links below to apply.

Fred and Ellen Lewis JDC Archives Fellowship Application Form

Fred and Ellen Lewis JDC Archives Fellowship Reference Form

Applications for the 2014 Fellowship will be accepted until January 1, 2014.

For more information, please contact us.