JEWISH FEDERATIONS LAUNCH EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

February 8, 2023

We are heartbroken by the news of the devastating earthquake and aftershocks that hit Turkey and Syria overnight. Right now, the death toll is already in the thousands and rapidly rising. While thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed, rescuers are racing to pull survivors from beneath the rubble.

150,000 people have been made homeless by the earthquakes and need to cope with the bitter cold in the region. Our focus, alongside our partners, will be on helping this population cope with living outside in the difficult conditions by supplying thousands of tents, heaters, thermal clothing, ready to eat meals, and first aid kits.

In response to the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria early Monday, February 6, Jewish Federations of North America have launched an earthquake relief fund to provide humanitarian aid and to support recovery efforts. Jewish Federations’ overseas partners are on the ground in Turkey to assess the needs and determine how to best be positioned to help.

Jewish Federations have a long and proud history of response to global crises, aiding vulnerable Jewish populations and individuals of all faiths and backgrounds in the hardest-hit places, providing food, shelter, medicine, and other forms of humanitari- an aid. Funds have supported hundreds of relief efforts in the aftermath of major disasters, from California wildfires to tsunamis in Asia, to hurricanes and flooding in the Gulf to tornadoes in the Midwest.

Jewish Federations of North America Board Chair Julie Platt added, “We mourn the tragic loss of life brought by this disaster and send our hopes and prayers for all those who have been injured. We remain in close contact with our disaster relief partners on the ground and are mobilizing our communities to raise funds to support their life-giving work. Our Jewish values of tikkun olam guide us day-in and day-out to extend our hands to those in need, and Jewish Federations pledge to carry out this mandate with pride and dignity.”

Jewish Federations power the emergency response on the ground through our core dollars. We are able to respond so quickly because of the work we do all day, every day. Federation needs your help. To donate to the Earthquake relief fund, visit jfeds.org/earthquakerelief