SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– On Tuesday, January 12, a powerful earthquake battered the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday evening, devastating the island’s most populated city. Hundreds of thousands are feared dead from the immediate impact, with tens of thousands more injured and an estimated 3 million Haitians may face hardship in the aftermath.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: The United Jewish Federation of San Diego County 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 the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), consists of organizations such as the Jewish Federations of North America, 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.
Click here to give online. 100% of all funds raised through the emergency mailbox will support JDC’s relief efforts.
SIDEBAR – The Jews of Haiti: A Jewish presence in Haiti dates back to 1492; the interpreter on Christopher Columbus’ ship was Luis de Torres, a Converso. Today, Haiti’s Jewish population is approximately 25, centered around Port-au-Prince, the earthquake epicenter. Haiti and Israel have full diplomatic relations.
100% of all funds raised through the emergency mailbox will support JDC’s relief efforts. You can make your donation online or by mail to:
Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund
United Jewish Federation of San Diego County
4950 Murphy Canyon Road
San Diego, CA 92123
858.571.3444
About JDC Campaign Funds
JDC relies primarily on the generous support of American Jews who donate to the Jewish Federations of North America annual campaigns. They also receive support from World Jewish Relief, Canadian Jewry and the United States government. Additional funding comes from individual non-Jews, charitable foundations and philanthropists, other governments, and international organizations. JDC’s Non-Sectarian Programs (such as aid for natural disasters) are funded by special donations. Federation annual campaign funds are not used for JDC Non-Sectarian activities. If you have any questions, please visit our website at www.jdc.org
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Preceding provided by United Jewish Federation of San Diego County