Helping the Victims of the Haiti Earthquake
The Jewish Communities across North America, including the Calgary Jewish Community Council (CJCC) are partnering to provide aid and relief to victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday evening. The worst earthquake ever experienced by Haiti has left thousands dead and injured. Some 3 million Haitians may face hardship in the aftermath of this disaster.
"Our hearts go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy in a nation already suffering from so many challenges,” said Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America. “Working with our partners at Jewish Distribution Committee (JDC) and Israid, The Jewish Federations of North America hopes to provide assistance and comfort to the people of Haiti, by using the reach of our continental movement for the deepest possible impact."
Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund - Donate Online
BACKGROUND: 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. Over 100,000 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.
OUR COMMUNITY'S RESPONSE: The Calgary Jewish Community Council's efforts will be combined with those of other Jewish communities in Canada through United Israel Appeal Federations Canada, which will work with long-standing partners in the relief field and in coordination with other relief agencies and efforts. Together, these agencies bring experience, expertise, and resources to assist victims of natural or man-made disasters on a non-sectarian basis, demonstrating the long tradition of Jewish humanitarianism during times of crisis.
MATCHING FUNDS: The Government of Canada will match the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations, including Jewish Federation, in support of humanitarian and recovery efforts in response to the earthquake in Haiti, up to a total of $50 million.
ONLINE COVERAGE:
Haiti Earthquake: News Update (CNN)
Israel Send a Relief Delegation to Haiti (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Haiti Earthquake coverage (CBC)
Live Updates on Earthquake impact (BBC)
Ha'aretz - Jewish Communities Mobilize after earthquake in Haiti
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Online
By mail:
Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund
Attention: Bobbi Dickieson
Calgary Jewish Community Council
1607 - 90th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, AB T2V 4V7
By Phone:
Bobbie @ 403-444-3157
Israel sends Earthquake Relief to Haiti
Israel, which has full diplomatic ties with Haiti, has expressed its solidarity with the Haitian people, and pledged its support. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Israel has sent a 220-person delegation, including a field hospital, rescue unit, and medical, engineering and rescue experts.
They join Israel's ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Amos Radian, who is currently in Port-au-Prince coordinating Israel's contribution with local authorities and international aid agencies.
One of the major things achieved by the Israeli delegation was establishing a field hospital in a matter of 8 hours, which will serve 500 patients a day and will include 40 doctors, 25 nurses, paramedics, a pharmacy, a radiology department, an intensive care unit, an emergency room, two operating rooms, and a maternity ward.
LA Times - Israel sending Soldiers of Peace
Israel Aid Mission to Haiti - in pictures
'Israel' born in Haiti - IDF delivers baby: video
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.
Take a virtual tour of the Jews in Haiti.
Copyright © 2010 The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use