The Federation movement has raised more than $3 million for Haiti relief efforts since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the island nation earlier this year. MetroWest’s total exceeds $100,000. The Jewish Federations of North America is working with the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief to monitor allocations and coordinate efforts among Jewish organizations.

The Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), our major overseas relief agency is the primary recipient of our funds raised. The JDC is working closely with the International Rescue Committee, which will use JDC support to fund several water supply projects that will provide sources of clean water in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding community. Through the ProDev Foundation, a local Haitian NGO, 20 JDC-sponsored water tanks will ensure clean drinking water for people living in tent villages. A JDC-allotted grant to Chabad-Lubavitch of the Dominican Republic is funding convoys carrying milk for children. Through existing partners on the ground, JDC continues to successfully channel critical food, water, and medical aid to victims, via EcoWorks International, bringing rice and other food to 4,000 orphans. And an expanded partnership with Heart to Heart International in purchasing four trucks to ensure that medical relief and supplies reach isolated communities. JDC-funded equipment also helped the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces open its field hospital, which was operational 10 hours after the earthquake.

The State of Israel and its Israel Defense Force’s medical and rescue team sent to Haiti has concluded its operations. The delegation's 236 members included 218 IDF soldiers and officers and 18 civilians. The delegation left 30 tons of medical equipment for use in the ongoing aid effort. This includes bandaging gear, surgery equipment, two incubators and other medical accessories as well as 1,150 blankets, 30 large-sized tents, 500 mattresses, 200 sleeping bags and kitchen equipment. The equipment will be distributed to tent-cities in different locations in Haiti, under the coordination of Israel’s Ambassador to Haiti.

But before leaving, the delegation treated more than 1,110 patients, conducted 319 successful surgeries, delivered 16 births, including three in Caesarian sections, and saved many from within the ruins.

The delegation held a ceremony to mark the closing of the field hospital set up in Haiti. Col. Itzik Kryce, its commander, stated to the medical staff: "You were a drop of hope in a sea of desperation and sometimes made the difference between life and death. It is a great privilege, and you've done it as human beings, following the spirit of the IDF and in accordance with the values of the IDF Medical Corps.” He continued: "We came here to lend a hand and provide assistance, but above all, in order to provide hope and to show that even in the worst situations, a human being can be a symbol of hope to others, wherever they may be.”

Locally, Daughters of Israel has been providing pastoral counseling for 30% of its staff, who hail from Haiti and serves as a repository for donated goods bound for Haiti. Our Jewish Vocational Service has been offering jobs, immigration and counseling assistance for Haitian immigrants, whose family and friends died or are suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The Jewish community at large has been in the forefront of assisting other peoples undergoing traumatic earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Whether it be Katrina, 9/11, tsunami relief, earthquakes in Latin America or Turkey, the Jewish community and the State of Israel have been there to help.

It is because we have a great sense of Jewish responsibility, one for another, as a people and through our respective communities, that our sense of obligation serves as a springboard to help other peoples undergoing distress. Jewish mutual responsibility, therefore, reinforces our concern for the rest of the world. Jewish Peoplehood and Universalism – perfect together.

If you would like to contribute to Haiti Relief click here.