Israel, Jewish groups sending help to Haiti
Federations establish open mailboxes
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A 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday afternoon was the strongest in Haiti in 200 years.
Photo by Matthew Marek/American Red Cross
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January 13, 2010
(JTA) -- Local Jewish organizations and Israel have joined efforts on behalf of victims of the massive earthquake in Haiti.
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ and its Community Relations Committee have set up an open mailbox for donations to support the relief efforts. (For information, see sidebar.)
The Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey has also established an emergency relief fund. Donations may be made directly online at www.jewishjerseycentral.org or by check mailed to: Jewish Federation of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.
Israel has sent a delegation of experts to Haiti and U.S. Jewish groups are collecting donations in the aftermath of the quake.
The Israel group sent to the Caribbean nation includes engineering, medical, logistics and rescue experts from the Israel Defense Forces' Home Front Command.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday afternoon was the strongest in Haiti in 200 years. The National Palace and United Nations peacekeeper headquarters were among the many buildings that suffered damage.
Israel's ambassador to the Dominican Republic, who also serves Haiti, said Wednesday morning that the embassy had not been able to reach Jewish families in Haiti due to downed telephone lines.
The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid, a coordinating body of Israeli and Jewish organizations and other interested parties based in Israel, also was set to dispatch a 12-man search-and-rescue team, which includes emergency medical staff. IsraAID also was considering sending a field hospital, including doctors and medical equipment, as well as humanitarian aid.
Relatives of Sharona Elsaieh, daughter of the late peace activist Abie Nathan, say she is missing and have turned to Israel's Foreign Ministry for assistance. Two other Israelis, a woman and her 9-year-old son, also have been reported missing.
Several other Israelis also live in Haiti, according to reports.
In the United States, several other Jewish groups -- including the American Jewish World Service (www.ajws.org/haitiearthquake), American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (www.jdc.org), American Jewish Committee (www.ajc.org/haitifund) and B'nai B'rith International (https://secure.ga1.org/05/web_relief_donations) -- have set up mailboxes for people to make donations.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti in the wake of this overwhelming disaster, and as we did following Hurricane Gustav in 2008, JDC will leverage its strong partnerships in the region to respond quickly and compassionately to the needs of those affected," said Steven Schwager, JDC's chief executive officer. "Now and in the months to come, JDC will provide both immediate relief as well as long-term assistance to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives."
Open mailbox for earthquake relief
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ released the following statement on Jan. 13:
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ s deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and property in Haiti as a result of the massive earthquake on January 12, 2010.
The Community Relations Committee responds to emergency and disaster situations around the world and works to galvanize support from the MetroWest community to demonstrate the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repair of the world) and gmilut chasidim (acts of loving kindness). The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is our emergency relief agency partner.
Therefore, UJC MetroWest and its Community Relations Committee have set up an open mailbox for donations to support the relief efforts. Click here to make your donation to the relief effort.
All contributions are fully tax deductible. 100% of proceeds will go to emergency relief. Call the Community Relations Committee at (973) 929-3064 with any questions.
More state federations pitching in
Several federations in New Jersey are supporting Haiti relief efforts.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County has opened an emergency fund for the victims of the quake. To make a donation, visit www.jewishmiddlesex.org, or send a contribution to JFGMC, 230 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, NJ 08882; specify “Haiti Crisis” in the memo of the check. For more information, contact 732-432-7711 or info@jf-gmc.org.
The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County has opened the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund, an emergency mailbox. To contribute, visit www.jewishmonmouth.org or send a donation to JFMC, 100 U.S. Highway 9, Suite 7, Galleria Mall, Manalapan, NJ 07726 specify “Haiti Crisis” in the memo of the check. For more information, call 732-866-4300.
United Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks has joined the 157 Jewish federations of North America and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee to provide aid and relief. Donations can be made on-line at www.ujfpmb.org or by calling 609-219-0555.
Comments
Dave
January 16, 2010
Without question, the Jewish values of Saving a Life (Pikuach Nefesh) and Ending Hunger (Mazon) are of paramount concern to the Jewish people.
Stop Hunger Now is coordinating a massive effort to assist Haitians by providing meals and fresh water. Utilizing their existing presence and partnerships in Haiti allows Stop Hunger Now to make an immediate impact, getting supplies directly to those in need.
At just .25¢ per meal, an $18 donation feeds 72 people!
Learn more about and support Stop Hunger Now at http://www.jchoice.org/CauseDetails.aspx?id=120