Contact: Peter Finn Ruder Finn 212/593-6400 UJA Hires Ruder Finn for New Public Relations Effort New York, July 9, 1997 - The United Jewish Appeal, the leading international Jewish philanthropy, has hired Ruder Finn to help promote the UJA Annual Campaign message in the U.S. and Israel. Employing its resources, expertise and pro-active media techniques, Ruder Finn will increase public awareness of the Annual Campaign and the network of social service and educational programs supported throughout the world. With the changing needs of the Jewish community in the U.S., Ruder Finn represents an initiative by UJA to effectively communicate its mandate to the news media and engage more American Jews in its mission. Through intensive media outreach, Ruder Finn is working to convey UJA's humanitarian message that gifts to UJA touch millions of lives in 60 nations across the globe. The agency has extensive experience working with Jewish and Israeli organizations, and has recently opened an office in Israel. "UJA exists to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable and revitalize Jewish life. We believe many more American Jews would be proud to be identified with UJA if they understood the vast scope and reach of our programs around the world," said Richard Wexler, UJA National Chairman. "Changing demographics require fresh tactics in communicating that message, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve," he added. David Finn, Chairman of Ruder Finn, also hailed the partnership. "We are honored to have the privilege of working with UJA and communicating the message of its uniquely valuable work to the American public," Mr. Finn said. "By utilizing our resources and expertise, we hope to contribute to UJA's goal of serving the Jewish community through its many different programs." Working with 189 local Jewish federations and a network of 450 independent Jewish communities throughout the United States, UJA funds assist people in need in the U.S., Israel and 60 countries around the world. The UJA Federation Campaign supports social service and educational programs and sponsors numerous projects designed to strengthen ties between American Jews and Israel. The organization has consistently been rated one of the nation's most cost-effective philanthropies by Money Magazine's annual survey of charitable organizations. Ruder Finn has been a leading communications, counseling and service agency for nearly 50 years. With offices in Beijing, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Raleigh, N.C., Taiwan and Washington, D.C., and affiliates worldwide, the agency serves the global and local communications needs of more than 200 corporations and non-profit organizations. Back to "In the News"