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Helping the Victims of the Haiti Earthquake                      Donate to Haiti

Our community has a history of responding quickly—and generously—to emergencies, wherever they occur.

Last month, when Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake, we responded by setting up a Relief Fund to rush help to the scene. We are working with our partners at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee—100% of all funds contributed to UJA NNJ’s fund are sent to the JDC which, in turn, is working on the scene to provide help to the Haitian people.

JDC also worked with the Israel Defense Forces to set up a field hospital—the first on the scene.

Steve Schwager, the director of the JDC, met with the UJA NNJ Board of Trustees on February 24th and reported on the work being done—and thanked our community for its support. He noted,  however, that the needs in Haiti are unprecedented and will continue for years. There is no functioning infrastructure and little in the way of public services—most public buildings were destroyed. As a result, we all need to help and to continue supporting the Relief Fund.

Click here to read the JDC updated report.

Please click here to contribute to the Relief Fund.

On Tuesday, January 12, a powerful earthquake battered the Caribbean nation of Haiti, devastating the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Thousands are feared dead from the immediate impact, with thousands more injured and an estimated 3 million Haitians may face hardship in the aftermath.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: The Jewish Federations of North America is partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to provide urgently needed aid and relief on a nonsectarian basis to victims of the devastating earthquake. Click here to give.

ONLINE COVERAGE:

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.