JDC Ambassadors New York Program, October 22

Can we turn the tables on poverty? Real lessons from the field in Israel, Russia, Haiti and beyond

JDC Ambassadors Meeting

Monday, October 22, 5 pm doors open, 5:30-7 pm program
New York

An article about this event is now available on the JDC Field Blog.

JDC's experience in combating poverty around the world contains not only a treasure trove of stories of individual dedication and initiative in the face of adversity, but also a myriad of valuable lessons learned about how best to address and ultimately end poverty.

The largest Jewish humanitarian organization, JDC leverages nearly a century’s experience to create effective programs that benefit some of the world’s neediest populations faced with disaster, extreme poverty, political instability, and genocide. JDC’s lifesaving interventions in the World War I and World War II eras are legendary; its work today helps hundreds of thousands of people in crisis and focuses on sustainable solutions to Jewish poverty and beyond.

Featuring from the field:

• Galit Sagie on the keys to social mobility in Israel
• Rina Edelstein on addressing overwhelming need among elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union
• Mandie Winston on the importance of empowering people to help themselves
• Moderated by Gideon Herscher, program development expert

For more information, contact Rebecca Neuwirth, rebeccan@jdcny.org
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JDC Ambassadors programs provide insight into the state of Jewish communities around the world – and what we can do about it. Programs are open to JDC Ambassadors, members of our Ambassador Circle and Society, and select guests.

Two decades from war, a new fight to save Bosnia

JDC Ambassadors will be holding an important lunch marking 20 years since the start of the siege of Sarajevo, which ironically is April 6, the start of Passover this year.

The discussion centers around an extraordinary Jewish response to the breakdown of ethnic trust and cooperation in this diverse city.

But there are also clear lessons to be learned today, when ethnic strife in Bosnia, the Middle East and virtually across the globe seems to be heating up, not cooling down. We'll feature some very unique and meaningful efforts that the Jewish community has undertaken to lead in the rebuilding of trust and the solving of shared challenges across the globe.

And stay tuned for information about the Ambassadors trip to Sarajevo to participate in this work of rebuilding.

More info? Contact Rebecca At rebeccan@jdcny.org

Two decades from war, a new fight to save Bosnia

JDC RESPONDS TO TURKEY EARTHQUAKE



(Photo: JDC website)


To Donate to Turkey Emergency Relief, CLICK HERE

New York, October 24, 2011 ― In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in eastern Turkey yesterday, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has begun collecting funds for relief efforts. Responding to initial reports of hundreds of deaths and wide-spread building collapse, JDC is working with its local partners -- including Turkey's Jewish community -- to ensure the victims' immediate needs are addressed. JDC’s past humanitarian interventions in Turkey have included the provision of aid and training after earthquakes in 2010 and 1999. JDC staff experts are current determining what next steps are necessary, especially in the hardest-hit Van Province.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Turkey at this tragic time and we offer our condolences the families of those lost in the earthquake. Building off our historic work in Turkey, the disaster-preparedness training we have provided in the past, and the strength of our partnership with the Turkish Jewish community, we are responding quickly and strategically to help victims in their time of need,” said Steven Schwager, JDC’s Chief Executive Officer.

The 7.2 earthquake is the most powerful to hit Turkey in a decade. As rescue crews continue search operations, aftershocks plague the region. JDC’s multi-pronged involvement in the Turkish Jewish community began following World War I when it came to the aid of orphaned Jewish children. JDC’s work continued with its reinvestment in Turkey in 1992 by improving social services and Jewish community-based economic development, as well as its provision of disaster-relief and development efforts in the country.

JDC's disaster relief programs are funded by special appeals of the Jewish Federations of North America and tens of thousands of individual donors to JDC. JDC coordinates its relief activities with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, Interaction, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Israeli relief agencies, and the United Nations. JDC has provided immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters around the globe and continues to operate programs designed to rebuild infrastructure and community life in disaster-stricken regions.

To Make a Contribution:

Online: www.jdc.org/turkeyrelief

By Phone: 212-687-6200

By Mail:
check payable to: JDC TURKEY EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
Attn: JDC
P.O. Box 4124
New York, NY 10163
212-687-6200

JDC PARTNERS WITH IDF FIELD HOSPITAL IN MINAMISANRIKO, JAPAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY, March 24, 2011 – As part of its continuous, on-the-ground response in Japan, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is now partnering with the Israel Defense Forces Field Hospital which will be operating in Minamisanriko, one of the many cities decimated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. JDC – which previously supported IDF Field Hospitals in Haiti and Turkey – will be providing equipment such as an infant ventilator and portable ultrasound as well as life-saving antibiotics and other medications.

“JDC's past experience responding to earthquakes and tsunamis has taught us that the kind of unparalleled medical treatment we'll help bring through the IDF Field Hospital is vital to the recovery of the Japanese people,” said JDC CEO Steven Schwager. “Even as we quickly provide these services during the emergency phase of our response, JDC is monitoring needs and assessing projects to help improve local lives in the longer-term.”

In the two weeks since Japan was struck, JDC has provided:

• food, fuel, blankets, tents, and other emergency supplies to evacuation centers through the International Rescue Committee;
• emergency supplies to the hardest-hit Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures through JEN, a Japanese NGO and the Jewish Community of Japan;
• learning materials, teaching aids, emergency school supplies, among other services at child-friendly spaces for Japanese children through the U.S. Fund for UNICEF/Japan Committee for UNICEF;
• a critically needed water shipment and other emergency relief supplies through JDC’s partner Afya Foundation and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan's aid and development arm;
• food and water bottle distribution from Chabad’s bakery in Sendai.

JDC’s long history of working in and with Japan includes: the rebuilding of a school in Kosovo with Japan after the 1999 conflict; working in Kobe until 1941 supporting Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler's Europe; and supporting Jewish refugees in Yokohama between 1918-20, most of whom were fleeing Russia. JDC gained substantial disaster expertise in Haiti in 2010 as well as in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Maldives following the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004.

JDC's non-sectarian disaster relief programs are funded by special appeals of the Jewish Federations of North America and tens of thousands of individual donors to JDC. JDC coordinates its disaster relief activities with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, Interaction, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Israeli relief agencies, and the United Nations. JDC has provided immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters around the globe and continues to operate programs designed to rebuild infrastructure and community life in disaster-stricken regions.

To Make a Contribution to JDC's Japan Relief Work:
Online: www.jdc.org  

By Phone: 212-687-6200

By Mail:  check payable to
JDC Japan/Pacific Disaster Relief
P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

JDC AIDS CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY, March 3, 2011 – The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is working with the Jewish community of Christchurch, New Zealand to aid survivors of the city’s devastating earthquake. JDC funding will contribute to Christchurch Jewish community efforts to repair a damaged local synagogue and homes, replace household goods, provide financial stipends and temporary relocation costs, and support community-service or children’s programs for the wider community.

“As we extend our deepest sympathies to the families of Christchurch locals and Israelis lost in the earthquake, we’re cooperating with the Jewish community to ensure that people on the ground can start to rebuild their lives. As we have done in the past, JDC is delivering much-needed assistance to Jews and others in the wake of a disaster,” said JDC CEO Steven Schwager.

In addition to lost property, damaged homes, and businesses, the Jewish community’s synagogue was damaged and the Chabad House was destroyed by the 6.3 earthquake that struck on February 22. Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city, is located in the Canterbury Province which is home to 600 Jews. Jewish settlement in the region dates back to the early 1860’s.

“It means a lot to us to know that we are not forgotten, even though we are just a small community far away,” said Bettina Wallace, acting president of the Canterbury Hebrew Congregation.

JDC ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR PAKISTAN FLOOD RELIEF

NEW YORK, NY, August 17, 2010 — The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, is collecting funds to aid victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan. JDC has previously provided relief to the Pakistani people in the wake of the disastrous 2005 and 2008 earthquakes.

"By harnessing our vast experience in international disaster relief and tapping our network of partners on the ground to assess the most pressing needs, JDC will quickly respond to those affected by the floods in Pakistan," said JDC CEO Steven Schwager. “Guided by the principle of tikkun olam (repairing the world), we’ll help ensure that the most vulnerable are reached.”

JDC, which provides life-saving food, clothing, medicine, and other necessities in more than 70 countries around the globe, has implemented similar relief efforts in places like Haiti, countries in South Asia in the wake of Indian Ocean Tsunami, and in Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis. One hundred percent of funds collected will be directed to relief efforts.

JDC is closely coordinating with the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Interaction in Washington D.C.

To Make a Contribution:

Online: www.jdc.org

By Phone: 212-687-6200

By Mail: check payable to

JDC-Pakistan Flood Relief

P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

"Haiti's Echo"

Last month the publisher of he Baltimore Jewish Times wrote a nice editorial highlighting JDC's humanitarian efforts in Haiti titled, "Haiti's Echo". 

Read the article HERE.

JDC ACCEPTS DONATIONS FOR CHILE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

JDC Experts Assessing Impact On Chilean Jewish Community

NEW YORK, NY, February 28, 2010—In the wake of today’s 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, announced that it will collect funds for relief efforts, said JDC CEO Steven Schwager.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Chile and, as we have recently done in Haiti, JDC will leverage our strong partnerships in the region, including the local Chilean Jewish community, to provide a quick and effective response to the needs of those affected,” said Schwager. “We are receiving up-to-the-minute reports from JDC's Latin America team on the ground, including the impact of the earthquake on Chile's Jewish community.”

JDC provides technical assistance to many Latin American countries including Chile, and is conducting a full and rapid assessment of the situation by working closely with Chile’s Jewish community to determine critical next steps based on immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas.

Chile’s diverse Jewish community, made up of both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews, is mainly located in Santiago, with Jewish families also living in affected cities like Concepcion and Valpariso-Vina. The community supports a JCC, two Jewish day schools, synagogues, and has reportedly canceled Purim festivities as a result of the disaster.

JDC relief efforts are part of its International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters.

To Make a Contribution:
Online: https://mailhost.jdcny.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.jdc.org/donation
By Phone: 212-687-6200
By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Chile Earthquake Relief
P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) 
Since 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has given global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. Working today in over 70 countries, JDC acts on behalf of North America’s Jewish communities and others to rescue Jews in danger, provide relief to those in distress, revitalize overseas Jewish communities and help Israel overcome the social challenges of its most vulnerable citizens. JDC also provides non-sectarian emergency relief and long-term development assistance worldwide. For more information, please log on to: www.JDC.org

JDC ADDRESSES CRITICAL NEEDS IN HAITI AS TEAM RETURNS TO NYC FROM FIRST FIELD VISIT

$3.2 Million Raised for Continuing and Long-Term Relief

NEW YORK, NY, February 1, 2010—Among the Haitians being aided by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and its partners in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake, are teenagers Pierre and Moise, clients of a JDC-supported food program by EcoWorks International being run on the remains of a local hospital. Both recovering from surgery to their badly broken legs, these two young men, who lost family members and their homes, are receiving regular meals and water as they recuperate. Like hundreds of thousands of other victims, Pierre and Moise are struggling to regain their bearings amidst the rubble that just two weeks ago had been homes, schools, hospitals, markets, and places of worship.

JDC, the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, and its expanded group of partners on the ground, are delivering water, medicine, food and critical relief to victims in Port-au-Prince and the outlying areas. The JDC team, just returned from Haiti, is helping to assess immediate and long-term needs as JDC begins to plan for rebuilding efforts.

To date, JDC has raised $3.2 million for Haiti relief and has expanded its group of partners performing humanitarian assistance work on the ground. They include:

• International Rescue Committee will use JDC support to fund several water supply projects that will provide sources of clean, potable water in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding community.
• Through the ProDev Foundation, a local Haitian NGO, 20 JDC-sponsored water tanks will ensure clean drinking water for people living in tent villages.
• A JDC-allotted grant to Chabad-Lubavitch of the Dominican Republic that funded the delivery of much-needed milk for children in Haiti.

Through existing partners on the ground, JDC continues to channel critical aid to Haitians in need. EcoWorks International's feeding program is bringing cooked meals and water to 250 patients and their families daily, and providing rice and other food to 4,000 orphans.

An expanded partnership with Heart to Heart International, which includes the purchase of four trucks, is ensuring that medical relief and supplies reach isolated communities. JDC-funded equipment helped the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces complete the mission of its field hospital, which was operational within 10 hours of the earthquake.

JDC continues to coordinate its activities with the White House, the Department of State, USAID, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Israeli relief agencies, the United Nations, and the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief. These efforts are part of JDC’s International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters.

You can read about their experience in Haiti by visiting JDC's blog, No Passport Required.

Photos from Haiti

The latest photos from Haiti.

For the latest news from our team on the ground, please go to JDC's new blog, No Passport Required. 

The Reward Comes in the Form of Accomplishing Work Itself

An op-ed piece by JDC Board member, Betsy Sheerr, recently published in The Jewish Exponent, Philadelphia's Jewish newspaper. 

The Reward Comes in the Form of Accomplishing Work Itself
January 28, 2010
By Betsy R. Sheerr

Millions of lives -- and the future of a tiny nation -- are still in jeopardy.

No, we're not talking about Israel, but Haiti -- that small, impoverished island nation.

Within hours of a catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti last week, Israel and the United States led the way in rescue and recovery. President Barack Obama spoke movingly: "In times of tragedy, the U.S. steps forward and helps. That is who we are. That is what we do."

The Israeli Defense Force was among the first on the ground, setting up a field hospital praised by CBS as "the Rolls Royce of emergency medical care," with medical and psychosocial support teams deployed as soon as there was safe passage. How fitting for Israel to help a small country that was among the first to recognize its existence in 1947!

The American Jewish response was also swift and generous. Within hours, money started pouring into a vast array of Jewish organizations, including those that comprise the 45-member Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief. These donors wanted their gift to be part of the Jewish response to a non-Jewish population's suffering. This is a fitting tribute to what our tradition teaches us: to save a single life is to save an entire world.

In this first week, the Jewish Federations of North American reported raising more than $2 million for the relief efforts of its overseas humanitarian relief partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. An additional $2.2 million has been donated directly to JDC online, by mail, phone or text. The American Jewish World Service has raised more than $2 million as well.

JGooders Features JDC's Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts

JGooders, an online platform for Jewish philanthropy has featured JDC's Haiti relief efforts on their blog. 

Read the blog post at Helping Haiti is Just a Click Away.

According to the website:
JGooders.com is an online giving platform for you to engage with Jewish and Israeli causes and network with like-minded people. An online community, JGooders offers you a new way, to implement tikkun olam, or social change, through personal involvement.

JGooders provides a unique forum for learning about a wide variety of specific projects and getting involved in several ways – donating, volunteering, activism and networking. Actively promoting transparency and an ongoing stream of information, JGooders enables you to learn, compare and keep track of the projects they have funded through a personal giving account.

To learn more about JGooders, visit their website at http://www.jgooders.com/. 

To donate to JDC's Haiti Earthquake Relief efforts, please visit www.jdc.org or call, (212) 687-6200. 

Support JDC's Relief Efforts in Haiti Through Your Cell Phone

JDC has now launched a Mobile Giving Campaign to support relief efforts in Haiti.  By sending a text you can make a small donation quickly and easily.

You can donate $10 via your mobile phone by sending "JDCHAITI" to 8-5-9-4-4.

JDC's Haiti Relief: One Week Later

Millions of lives—and the future of a nation—are still in jeopardy.

One week after a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, global relief efforts are battling the clock and multiple aftershocks to meet the vast humanitarian needs of the Haitian people. The good news is that JDC and its partners on the ground are reaching victims every hour with critical medical, nutritional, and material relief.

Supporters of JDC are directly responsible for this progress to date:

As of January 20, JDC has received more than 8,000 individual gifts—exceeding $1.5 million—for Haiti relief. An additional $2 million has been raised for JDC Haiti relief by the Jewish Federations of North America.

Within days of the disaster, JDC-supported relief agency Heart to Heart International and its team of doctors and nurses were on the ground providing critical medical aid first in Port-au-Prince and later in Leogane, an isolated town where little other assistance has reached.

The Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces, another JDC partner, is operating a field hospital in Port-au-Prince that is saving lives and administering vital medical care. JDC helped equip the hospital with high-demand orthopedic devices and infant incubators for its neonatal unit. This effort has been widely reported in the news, including on CNN, FoxNews, and Israel's Channel 2 (please view this link in Internet Explorer).

Working in collaboration with the Afya Foundation, JDC sent a container of mattresses and much-needed medical supplies to Zanmi Lasante/Partners in Health, a renowned local NGO. A second container is being shipped on Friday and a third will follow.

JDC is also supporting EcoWorks International which is currently setting up a feeding program for victims.

Further partnerships with local NGOs are being explored by JDC to provide emergency assistance during this initial stage of its disaster response.

JDC is continuing to coordinate its activities with the White House, the Department of State, USAID, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Israeli relief agencies, the United Nations, and the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief.

JDC's work and impact will be felt long after images of the devastation disappear from the news. As with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, JDC will reserve a large portion of funds raised for Haiti relief for intermediate and long-term rebuilding and reconstruction programs. The goal is to effect sustainable improvements in health, education, and employment throughout the island nation.

JDC brings unparalleled experience to this effort through its International Development Program (IDP), which has provided immediate relief and long-term development assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters in more than 60 countries.

To Make a Contribution:
Online: www.JDC.org

By Phone: 212-687-6200

By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Haiti Earthquake Relief
P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

Update: JDC’s Emergency Response to the Haiti Earthquake

Monday, January 18, 2010

JDC Response: Within hours of the devastation wrought by the January 12th earthquake in Haiti, JDC mobilized and opened a mailbox to begin collecting funds for relief efforts. JDC immediately coordinated with partners to determine how to most effectively and quickly provide the essential relief needed on the ground in Haiti.

JDC’s goal during the first stage of a disaster of this magnitude is to provide emergency relief efforts that meet the immediate needs of survivors. JDC is currently working in two main areas: providing medical supplies and equipment, and providing food.

Medical Supplies and Equipment
News outlets report death tolls of between 50,000 and 100,000, with many more victims of the earthquake badly injured. JDC is supporting the provision of medical equipment by three different ground agencies—one Israeli, one American, and one local:

1. JDC is working with the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Force whose team of medical professionals landed in Haiti this past Friday to set up a field hospital on a soccer field near the city center that is now caring for hundreds of wounded citizens. JDC’s donated funds purchased medical equipment, including infant incubators for a neonatal unit and orthopedic devices. A baby was born in the unit over the weekend; the first-time mother named her new son “Israel.”

To see how your donations are already making a difference, please watch this video from CNN.  

2. Heart to Heart International, a U.S. nongovernmental organization (NGO) already operating on the ground in Haiti, is providing emergency medical assistance with equipment and supplies purchased by JDC. Heart to Heart International works in 60 countries and has partnered with JDC in the past to provide medical equipment and medical supplies to vulnerable Jewish communities around the world.

3. Medical supplies and equipment were scarce in Haiti even before the disaster, but in light of the devastation and considerable number of injured, the impact of this shortage is the immediate loss of lives. Working with the Afya Foundation, a container of mattresses and much-needed medical supplies has been sent to a well-respected local NGO called Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health), started in Haiti by Dr. Paul Farmer. JDC is also supporting the shipment of two additional containers through the Afya Foundation. Currently, there is considerable difficulty in getting supplies into Haiti due to damage to the port and extensive airport traffic.

Food Provision
Ready-to-eat food and clean water are among the most pressing needs at this stage. JDC is supporting a soup kitchen operated by EcoWorks International, a not-for-profit NGO working with poor communities around the world to help break the cycle of poverty through the development of sustainable projects that promote self-reliance, improvement of standards of living, and protection of natural resources. EcoWorks already has an operational presence in Haiti with a strong network of grassroots organizations, and is experienced in emergency relief and reconstruction, having worked in countries destroyed by natural disasters (Armenia) and by war or genocide (Somalia, Rwanda).

Next Steps: JDC will reserve a large portion of funds for sustainable intermediate and long-term rebuilding and reconstruction programs. JDC’s experience during the 2004 Tsunami in South Asia exemplified that the organization could have the greatest impact on the affected communities during the recovery and development phases. JDC will develop initiatives with both international and local partners to provide the victims of this earthquake with opportunities for sustainable improvements in the areas of health, education, and employment using its core professional competencies to serve vulnerable populations.

In the coming weeks JDC will:

• Continue to monitor its immediate relief efforts on the ground in Haiti;
• Send staff to the region as soon as it is clear we can do so without endangering their lives or imposing any strain on the local population;
• Explore additional partnerships with local NGOs to provide emergency assistance during this initial stage of the disaster response;
• Continue to coordinate activities with the White House, Department of State, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Israeli relief agencies, and the United Nations;
• Coordinate efforts of the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief—an alliance of 45 U.S. and foreign Jewish agencies. This coalition provides a united Jewish response to humanitarian disasters and has formed a new coalition for Haiti relief.

NEW YORKERS CAN DONATE SUPPLIES TO HAITI THROUGH JDC PARTNERS

NEW YORK, NY, January 15, 2010-The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world's largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, in collaboration with the Afya Foundation, began loading their first container of supplies in New York City this morning at 9:30 a.m. to be shipped to victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake. The container, which is filled with hundreds of mattresses and blankets donated by Jewish Home Lifecare in New York City, will be shipped for Partners in Health International to manage the logistics of distribution on the ground in Haiti.

New Yorkers can participate right now by donating the following supplies to the drop-off location

Afya’s Warehouse at 510 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701.

Sheets
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Towels
Clothing
Water Purification Tablets
Water
Electrolyte Tablets
Small Water Buckets
Ensure (or any liquid food supplement)
Respiratory Masks
Personal Care Items
Gauze
Bandages
IV Starter Kits
Syringes
Gloves
Needles
Ringers
Hand Sanitizer
Topical Antiseptic
Casting Materials
Cotton
Closed Toed Shoes

Please note supplies cannot be accepted which are expired or less than 5 months from expiration.

The Afya Foundation has been working in collaboration with Partners in Health International for many years to collect and deliver medical supplies that are donated by hospitals, health organizations, companies and people to communities in Haiti.

JDC continues to conduct a full and rapid assessment of the situation on the ground, and is reaching out to its network of partners to determine immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas. These efforts are part of JDC's International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters. JDC and its partners worldwide have implemented similar relief efforts in more than 60 countries. Many IDP-operated programs are ongoing and are helping to rebuild infrastructure and community life in disaster-stricken regions.


To Make a Contribution:

Online: http://www.jdc.org/

By Phone: 212-687-6200

By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Haiti Earthquake Relief
P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

JDC CRISIS RESPONSE: HAITI

In the wake of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti, the immense scale of the devastation is only beginning to be understood. News sources are reporting the loss of more than 100,000 lives and massive damage to the island's infrastructure.

JDC is the official humanitarian assistance organization acting on behalf of the Jewish community and The Jewish Federations of North America. In this capacity, JDC has moved swiftly to coordinate relief efforts with its network of Israeli, American, and other local partners on the ground.

JDC is currently supporting Heart to Heart International to provide immediate medical aid, equipment, and services to victims of the earthquake. JDC is also working with the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces and has purchased critical medical equipment for its field hospital, including infant incubators for its neonatal unit and orthopedic devices. Further partnerships are being explored for the next phase of JDC's support for Haiti's victims.

JDC brings unparalleled experience to this effort through its International Development Program (IDP), which has provided immediate relief and long-term development assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters in more than 60 countries.

To Make a Contribution:
Online: www.JDC.org

By Phone: 212-687-6200

By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Haiti Earthquake Relief
P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

JDC ACCEPTS DONATIONS TO AID VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI

NEW YORK, NY, January 13, 2010—The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, announced today that it is collecting funds on a non-sectarian basis for relief efforts following the catastrophic earthquake, the worst in over 200 years, that struck Haiti yesterday evening.

“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.”

JDC is conducting a full and rapid assessment of the situation on the ground, and reaching out to its network of partners to determine critical next steps based on immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas. The efforts are part of JDC’s International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters. JDC and its partners worldwide have implemented similar relief efforts and continue to operate programs designed to rebuild infrastructure and community life in disaster-stricken regions.

To Make a Contribution:
Online: https://www.jdc.org/donation/donate.aspx
Choose 'Haiti Earthquake Relief'  in the drop-down menu

By Phone: 212-687-6200

By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Haiti Earthquake Relief
P O Box 4124
New York, NY 10163

About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
Since 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has given global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. Working today in over 70 countries, JDC acts on behalf of North America’s Jewish communities and others to rescue Jews in danger, provide relief to those in distress, revitalize overseas Jewish communities and help Israel overcome the social challenges of its most vulnerable citizens. JDC also provides non-sectarian emergency relief and long-term development assistance worldwide. For more information, please log on to: www.JDC.org

JDC ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR ASIA PACIFIC DISASTER RESPONSE

To make a donation, please go to our DONATE NOW page and choose 'Asia Pacific Disaster Response' in the drop-down menu.
PRESS RELEASE

---95-Year-Old Humanitarian Aid Organization Responds---

NEW YORK, NY, October 1, 2009—The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), an overseas humanitarian aid organization working in over 70 countries, today announced that it is collecting funds on a non-sectarian basis for relief efforts following two earthquake-related disasters in the Asia Pacific region: in the tsunami-wracked Samoan islands and on the Indonesian island of Sumatra; as well as the Tropical Storm Parma, which strengthened to a typhoon and two cyclones in the Philippines, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless.

JDC is conducting a full and rapid assessment of the situation on the ground, and reaching out to its network of local, Israeli, and other international partners to determine critical next steps based on immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas. JDC will look to fill critical gaps in humanitarian assistance being provided. The efforts are part of JDC’s International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of these catastrophic disasters, and as we did following the 2004 Tsunami in Southeast Asia, JDC will leverage its strong partnerships in the region and around the world to respond quickly and compassionately to the needs of those affected,” said Steve Schwager, JDC Chief Executive Officer. “It is our long-standing mission to provide as much help as possible for people whose lives have been suddenly devastated, be it by supplying food, medicines, and blankets or rebuilding schools and homes. Now and in the months to come, JDC will provide both immediate relief and long-term assistance to help these victims rebuild their lives,” he added.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP