Global Jewish Community Rallies to Support Haiti After Devastating Earthquake

Strategic Insights -

The devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 left a trail of destruction and loss of life, with over 100,000 people feared dead and millions affected. In response, the global Jewish community has banded together to provide emergency relief efforts and humanitarian aid to the affected region. Israeli and Jewish aid organizations, including IsraAID and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), are on the ground, dispatching search-and-rescue teams, medical equipment, and humanitarian aid.

Key Takeaways:

  • IsraAID dispatched a search-and-rescue team to Haiti, with plans to send a field hospital, including doctors and medical equipment, as well as humanitarian aid.
  • The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is leveraging its strong partnerships in the region to respond quickly and compassionately to the needs of those affected, providing both immediate relief and long-term assistance to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives.
  • The Jewish Federations of North America is coordinating with the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief to assist victims of natural or man-made disasters on a nonsectarian basis, working with organizations such as the Union for Reform Judaism, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, World ORT, and American Jewish Committee.
  • The American Jewish World Service is collecting donations for its Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, with a focus on reaching the poorest and most remote populations in Haiti, where disasters have devastating consequences.
  • The Canadian Jewish Congress expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims, while the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Greater Toronto and Combined Jewish Appeal of Montreal have established funds for humanitarian relief aid to the afflicted areas.
  • B'nai B'rith International is funneling money to Haiti through IsraAID, and actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have pledged to donate US$ 1 million through their foundation.
  • With an average per capita income of US$ 3.60 per day, Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, making its population especially vulnerable to natural disasters.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 people are feared dead, and millions affected, following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
  • Israeli and Jewish aid organizations are on the ground, dispatching search-and-rescue teams, medical equipment, and humanitarian aid.
  • The Jewish Federations of North America has been working with the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief to assist victims of natural or man-made disasters on a nonsectarian basis.
  • The American Jewish World Service has collected over US$ 1 million in donations for its Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, with a focus on reaching the poorest and most remote populations in Haiti.

Sources:

  • World Jewish Congress
  • JTA
  • JDC
  • Jewish Federations of North America
  • American Jewish World Service
  • Canadian Jewish Congress
  • United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Greater Toronto
  • Combined Jewish Appeal of Montreal
  • B'nai B'rith International
  • JTA
  • "Haaretz"