Debre Zeit

Before I arrived in Addis, I spoke with a number of Ethiopians who remarked at the country’s beauty. “Go to Ethiopia,” they all said, “Addis Ababa is the most beautiful city in the world!” It’s great to know that Ethiopians love their country so much to think Addis is beautiful. In Addis, black smog billows from…

Serve with the World’s Largest Jewish Humanitarian Aid Organization

Applications for the 2014-15 JDC Entwine Global Jewish Service Corps are now open! The Global Jewish Service Corps (JSC) is a year-long, paid, professional opportunity for Jewish young professionals. Responding to international Jewish and humanitarian needs, JSC fellows facilitate and create innovative programs using their unique skills and talents. Currently, fellows are serving around the world in…

Medical Ethics Challenge 1: Spina Bifida

It’s only been a bit more than three weeks in Ethiopia and I’ve encountered more “crazy” medical cases than I did in all of my medical experiences in the states combined. I have seen patients with deformed legs who once had polio, patients with over ninety-degree curves in their back from tuberculosis, and patients who…

A Lesson on Trust from Ethiopia

Addis is a place where beggars ask for money from beggars. A place where bargaining over goods usually occurs over a price range of 50 cents, and the homeless have to fight for outdoor floor space. And yet in the last few days here I experienced some things related to money that can be classified…

Welcome to the Adventure of Travel

After over 35 hours of travel, including a cancelled flight, a useless hotel voucher, and a 50-minute special on Gelada Baboons, Jason, Maggie and I arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Exiting the airport with our new friends and colleagues Daniel Combs and Keleab (pronounced with an explosive “kh” sound), we took a deep breath of…

Disclaimer

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.