Alex Budnitsky, speaker - COJECO

Our programs:

Roots Research Project

Project Roots enables Russian-speaking Jewish families conduct genealogical research and explore their family roots by accessing archives and materials in the US, Eastern Europe and former FSU with the assistance of a professional researcher.

BluePrint Fellowship

The program empowers RSJ change makers to create their own community-building initiatives, with the support of a network of peers, educational workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and mini-grants for project implementation.

B'nai Mitzvah RSJ Family Journey

A customized, year-long family program for Russian-speaking Jewish parents and their children leading up to Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

COJECO Virtual Academy of Jewish Heritage

The Virtual Academy of Jewish Heritage offers a series of top-notch Jewish and Israel-related educational sessions in English and Russian. Learn more on how to attend these free virtual lectures and help support the academy!

RJKrug

Interested in a unique Jewish learning program co-created by Russian-speaking Jewish families and leading Jewish educators? RJKrug, an Innovative Jewish Learning Program For Children and Parents, will soon begin its cohort for 2023-2024.

Germany Close Up

Bringing Russian-speaking Jewish young adults on 8-day educational trips to Germany to explore the past and present of Jewish life in Germany, and to experience modern Germany first hand.

COJECO New Jersey

We have launched a successful program for adults, children, teens, and families in Northern New Jersey, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.

Ukraine: Refugee Resources & Ways to Help

As the war in Ukraine rages on, our community is welcoming more refugees from Ukraine every day. COJECO has been working tirelessly to help people impacted by the War in Ukraine to resettle in New York and New Jersey. Read more about our efforts and Join!

COJECO Anniversary Gala

Join COJECO in celebrating its annual gala honoring the RSJ Community. Stay tuned for details about the 2024 annual gala!

Alex Budnitsky

CEO and Executive Director of the Marks JCH of Bensonhurst

alex@jchb.org

Since arriving in the United States from Kiev, Ukraine, over 20 years ago, Alex Budnitsky has been working in the Jewish communal field and currently serves as the CEO and Executive Director of the JCH of Bensonhurst. Alex holds a master’s degrees in journalism and social work from Columbia University. He is a graduate of the Institute for Non-Profit Management – a joint program of Columbia University School of Business and UJA-Federation of New York as well as the Executive Development Training Program administered by JCC Association of North America. Alex has been behind many ground-breaking initiatives serving the émigré community and has brought a unique perspective to the agency’s strategic vision. He has consulted in the former Soviet Union for JDC and JCC Global and for the AVI CHAI Foundation.

Organization

Marks JCH of Bensonhurst

http://www.jchb.org

Mission: The mission of the Marks JCH of Bensonhurst, known as the JCH, is to be a center for community life in Brooklyn that is rooted in Jewish values and fosters an inclusive environment. We affect residents at every life stage by providing critical services that lift people out of poverty and innovative programs that educate and inspire.