Greetings! We are writing to share with you the following Jewish Federations of North America's response to help communities affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Below is a press release announcing the partnership with American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to provide aid and relief to victims. To make a donation to the JDC Haiti Relief Fund click here. For more infomation, news and photos click here. The International Federation of the Red Cross estimates that up to 3 million people have been affected by a powerful earthquake that caused massive destruction in the Haitian capital. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the northern hemisphere and is ill-prepared to handle a major disaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and their families Sincerely, Danielle V. Minson, Director of Development 
JEWISH FEDERATIONS SUPPORT JDC'S FUND
TO HELP VICTIMS OF HAITI EARTHQUAKE The Jewish Federations of North America is partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to provide aid and relief to victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday evening. The worst earthquake ever experienced by Haiti has left thousands dead and injured. Some 3 million Haitians may face hardship in the aftermath of this disaster. The Jewish Federations of North America represents a continental Federation movement whose collective power makes an extraordinary impact on our global community and beyond, whenever and wherever the need, in collaboration with our historic partner agencies. The Jewish Federations is coordinating with The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief, which brings together the experience, expertise, and additional resources of North American Jewish organizations to assist victims of natural or man-made disasters on a non-sectarian basis. The coalition, managed by JDC, consists of organizations such as the Union for Reform Judaism, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, World ORT, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, American Jewish World Service and American Jewish Committee, to name a few. The coalition's work maximizes the resources, coordinates the activities of its member agencies, informs the public about the disaster situation and the Jewish response, and demonstrates the long tradition of Jewish humanitarianism during times of crisis. In the wake of the Southeast Asia tsunami, the Federation movement raised more than $10 million for the JDC's $18 million-plus relief effort. The Federation movement spearheaded a nearly $30 million aid effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, creating a blueprint for collective disaster relief. The Jewish Federations of North America has also opened its own disaster relief mailboxes when Jewish communities were affected in other disasters, such as fires that swept across Southern California. "Our hearts go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy in a nation already suffering from so many challenges," said Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America. www.urj.org
urj@urj.org
212.650.4000 |  |
As you are no doubt aware, a severe earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale devastated Haiti on January 12th. This is the most severe earthquake to hit that impoverished country in 200 years. The death toll is expected to reach thousands and it likely will be many days until the impact is fully known. The epicenter was near the capital of Port-au-Prince. Already there are reports that the presidential palace, a major hotel and the UN Headquarters collapsed, leaving hundreds buried in the rubble. According to the International Red Cross, as many as three million people have been affected by the quake. The Reform Jewish community has a long history of generosity when natural disasters devastate communities around the world. Your generosity at this critical time enables us to play a role in recovery efforts and bring healing and hope to those whose lives have been affected. Donations to the Union for Reform Judaism Haiti Relief Fund can be made on-line or by check (note: Haiti Relief in the memo section) to:
Union for Reform Judaism
Attention: Development
633 Third Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10017 As you probably know, the Union has been engaged in disaster relief efforts for many years and has developed considerable expertise in this arena. The Union has significant contacts in place both in the community-at-large and within the Jewish community, and works with other organizations such as the JDC and AJWS to identify appropriate partners and ensure our resources are used where we can make an impact. Unlike other organizations, which often retain up to 15% of donations for overhead, the Union takes no administrative costs from disaster relief donations, with the exception of direct expenses such as credit card fees. On-going updates regarding the disaster relief efforts and the allocations from this fund will be posted at www.urj.org/relief. |
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