AJC Establishes Tsunami Relief Fund, Allocates First $60,000

December 28, 2004 – New York –  The American Jewish Committee has established a relief fund to aid in the rescue and reconstruction efforts following Sunday’s tsunami and earthquake, which devastated parts of Southern and Southeast Asia , as well as East Africa . AJC today made an initial allocation of $60,000 to several aid groups working in the region. Additional donations will be made as funds become available and relief priorities are further defined.

“This is an unimaginable crisis,” AJC Executive Director David A. Harris said. “It is the duty of all people to assist in relief efforts. We are one human family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We pray that many of the thousands of missing people may still be found alive.”

The recipients of the first outlay are: IsraAID, an Israeli relief agency, to assist in medical and rescue efforts in the region; AJC’s Mumbai ( India ) office to support Indian relief efforts; the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee; the American Jewish World Service; Catholic Relief Services; and the Church World Service.

In the past 24 hours, AJC has been in contact with diplomats from virtually all the affected countries, expressing condolences and solidarity, and offering support for disaster relief efforts. AJC has also been in close touch with Jewish leaders in the Kerala state, on India ’s southwestern tip, where hundreds of people have been reported dead.

“The images we see and the stories we read are but a snapshot of the catastrophe and of the work that needs to be done – the loved ones still to be found, the disease to be prevented, the homes to be rebuilt,” Harris said. “We only wish we could do more to show the depth of our compassion.”

To contribute to AJC’s efforts, make checks payable to the American Jewish Committee Tsunami Fund, 165 East 56^th Street, 8^th Floor, New York, NY 10022. All donations will be directed to their intended purpose. AJC will absorb the administrative costs.   

— Donald H. Harrison (Jewishsightseeing.com)