Natural disasters in Asia have created one of the worst
humanitarian crisis in years. First a devastating cyclone in Myanmar, formerly
known as Burma, and then a massive earthquake in south western China have
killed untold score thousands and left countless thousands more homeless and in
dire need. In Burma particularly, this tragic situation has been amplified by
its brutal military government, which is failing to respond to the disaster and
obstructing international aid organizations.
When tragedies occur on such an enormous scale it is difficult to know where to begin to help. Our feelings of helplessness may be exacerbated by a skepticism around providing effective relief to those suffering under harsh and corrupt regimes. But our tradition affirms that we must do whatever is in our power to preserve human life, and so we ask that our community acts promptly and decisively to ensure that victims receive the aid that they desperately need.
We encourage everyone in our community here at Beth Elohim
to contribute to relief efforts, either through the American Jewish Joint Distribution
Committee or through the American Jewish World
Service.
JDC is accepting donations for both Burmese and Chinese relief. AJWS is collecting for Burmese relief but not having grantee organizations in China, it is offering alternative suggestions for those who wish to contribute. Both JDC and AJWS are committed to distributing one hundred percent of the money collected in the emergency funds, and will work with agencies on the ground in the affected areas as the needs become clear .
To Donate to the JDC
By Phone: 212-687-6200
By Mail: Check payable to:
JDC-Myanmar Cyclone Relief or China Earthquake Relief
P.O. Box 530
132 E43rst Street
New York, NY 10017
To contribute to AJWS, visit www.ajws.org, or call (800) 889-7146.Checks may be sent to:
American Jewish World Service, Burma Relief
45 West 36th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10018.
We pray that rescue efforts are successful in saving as many people as
possible.
May those who have lost loved ones find comfort in knowing that the hearts of
good people around the world are open to their suffering.
(With special thanks to Rabbi Sharon Brous of Ikar-LA for sharing this language.).