Federations Mobilize to Care for Hurricane Victims

As a Nor'easter storm bore down this week on so many already devastated by Hurricane Sandy, Jewish Federations continued to rally to provide immediate relief and long-term care for those affected by the recent catastrophic storm.

We are proud to share that your Federation has raised over $70,000 in relief for victims from over 170 gifts thanks to generous donors like you! Federations across the continent have so far raised nearly $1 million to aid victims of Hurricane Sandy, but there is so much more to be done.

Earlier this week, JFNA’s Emergency Committee authorized $500,000 – to come from both the Hurricane Relief Fund and the Emergency Committee Reserve Fund – for immediate humanitarian needs of Hurricane Sandy victims in the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey. The funds, which were distributed to UJA-Federation of New York and the 10 Federations in New Jersey, are being used for cash disbursements, food, shelter, clean-up kits and other basic necessities. 

“With snow falling and frigid temperatures around the Northeast, the victims of Hurricane Sandy continue to suffer,” said Cheryl Fishbein, chair of JFNA’s Emergency Committee. “It remains critical that Jewish Federations and our agencies work together to institute the lifesaving programs that are such a hallmark of our system.”

As the scope of Sandy’s impact becomes clearer, the JFNA Emergency Committee, in consultation with Federation and JFNA leadership, will allocate additional funds to meet other short-, medium- and long-term needs of storm victims, communal agencies and others. 

Federations across New York, New Jersey and Southern Connecticut are working in partnership with their local agencies to respond to needs in hurricane-stricken areas, collecting and distributing basic amenities for both the local Jewish and broader community. 

NECHAMA, a Jewish organization that specializes in post-disaster clean up, has been working in coordination with Federations to repair and restore Jewish institutions. Among the many institutions it has touched since the storm hit, NECHAMA this week cleaned up a Conservative synagogue in Hoboken, N.J. so that a Bar Mitzvah can take place this Shabbat.

Funds are still needed for recovery and rebuilding efforts. You can directly contribute to this effort through San Diego's Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund here. In addition, donors may text RELIEF to 51818 on a mobile device to pledge a donation or send checks to our mailbox at Jewish Federation of San Diego County, 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, 92123. Please indicate "Hurricane Relief Fund" on all checks or in the designation box online.

Also, be sure to attend San Diego Jewish Acedemy's Mother of All Garage Sales on Sunday, November 11, morning to shop, volunteer, and make a difference! Read more here!

JFNA and Jewish Federations are committed to care for victims of global natural disasters, and have emergency relief plans in place to aid people in need. Last year, Jewish Federations raised funds for those affected by widespread storms around the U.S., and more than $1 million for victims of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan. Federations also raised $10 million in the aftermath of the southern Asia tsunami in 2004.