UJA-Federation of New York has established the Chile Relief Fund to help victims of the 8.8 earthquake that struck the country February 27th.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile,” said John S. Ruskay, executive vice president and CEO of UJA-Federation. UJA-Federation will be working closely with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which is receiving reports from their Latin American team stationed in the area. They are monitoring the situation by working closely with Chile’s Jewish community to determine critical next steps based on immediate needs.
Steven Schwager, CEO of the JDC, said, “As we have done recently in Haiti, we will leverage our strong partnerships in the region, including the local Chilean Jewish community, to provide a quick and effective response to the needs of those affected.”
Most of Chile’s diverse Jewish community lives in Santiago, but parts of the community are located in earthquake-affected cities like Concepción and Valparaíso-Viña del Mar. The community includes a Jewish community center, two Jewish day schools, and synagogues.
One hundred percent of funds raised will be used for relief efforts. Donations can be made to the Chile Relief Fund at www.ujafedny.org/chile-relief.
