Jewish Federation Aid for Japan Nears $1 Million

Jewish Federations have so far raised nearly $1 million to support the victims of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck near the coast of Japan on March 11.

The deadly earthquake, ensuing tsunami and continuing nuclear crisis have left a reported 10,800 dead, while more than 16,000 remain missing and over 190,000 are living in shelters.

Since initiating the Japan, Hawaii and Pacific Relief Fund immediately following the tragedy earlier this month, The Jewish Federations of North America, our umbrella organization, has raised more than $187,000 through online, mobile and mailed donations.

Many individual Federations have also opened their own funds, yielding nearly $680,000 in combined donations. At latest count, the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the UJA-Federation of New York have raised more than $125,000 each, while the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's fundraising has totaled more than $100,000.

Last week, the JFNA Emergency Committee voted to allocate $135,000 of funds raised to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which has supported victims on the ground in Japan through local humanitarian organizations since the disaster occurred. JDC recently partnered with the Israel Defense Forces to operate a field hospital in the city of Minamisanriko, and has also provided emergency supplies and humanitarian relief through local organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, JEN (a Japanese NGO) and the Jewish Community of Japan.

"By allocating our first contribution to the JDC, Jewish Federations can be sure their funds will be put to use quickly and effectively, benefiting those most in need," said Fred Zimmerman, chair of JFNA's Emergency Committee. "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Jewish community, and continue to evaluate the best applications for Federation donations as the situation evolves."

The Emergency Committee will meet again in two weeks to reevaluate the situation on the ground in Japan, and plans to allocate additional funds in early April.

The Federation movement has been an impressive contributor to Japan relief funds; of the more than $161 million raised, according to latest reports in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Jewish Federations count as one of the top contributors of financial aid.

JFNA and Jewish Federations are committed to care for victims of global natural disasters, and have emergency relief plans in place to aid those in need. In 2005, Jewish Federations raised nearly $30 million to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, and approximately $10 million for those affected by the tsunami in southeast Asia in 2004.

Donate to the Japan, Hawaii and Pacific Relief Fund online or via your mobile device by texting RELIEF to 51818.

Those who wish to donate by mail can send checks to The Jewish Federations of North America, Wall Street Station, PO Box 148, New York, NY 10268. Please make all checks payable to "The Jewish Federations of North America," with "Japan, Hawaii and the Pacific Relief Fund" noted in the memo section of the check. All funds will go toward earthquake relief.

Visit JFNA's special information resource page on the crisis, which includes news stories and other materials, and will be regularly updated. JFNA continues to monitor the situation and will issue regular communications on the Jewish Federation response to this crisis.