Helping Siberian Jews - NYTimes.com Re "Despite Predictions, Jewish Homeland in Siberia Retains Its Appeal" (Birobidzhan Journal, Oct. 4): A continued Jewish presence in Birobidzhan may seem to be the stuff of legend, but as a primary supporter of the Jewish community throughout Siberia for more than 20 years, we know full well the reality on the ground. For the tens of thousands of Jews there - including in Birobidzhan, Khabarovsk and other locations - we have been a lifeline since the fall of Communism. The Joint Distribution Committee provides a robust program of lifesaving aid for the poor - food, medicine, clothing and heating fuel - together with inspired Jewish opportunities for people of any age - including Jewish community centers, family camps and retreats, and a far-reaching bar-bat mitzvah program. The enthusiastic embrace of Jewish identity and culture in this part of the world is a testament to the perseverance of the local Jewish community - especially in the face of overwhelming odds - and a reminder that our work, however effective, is not yet complete. OFER GLANZ Director, Former Soviet Union Dept. American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee New York, Oct. 4, 2012