Emergency Relief and Non-Sectarian Aid

Emergency Relief

Rockets raining down on Israel. Terrorist acts against unsuspecting citizens. Natural disasters wreaking havoc and heartbreak. Whenever and wherever tragedy strikes, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and our overseas Partner Agencies are there to provide assistance. Thanks to the vast infrastructure of programs and services that is in place around the globe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Federation-funded agencies are able to respond quickly and effectively to help those in sudden need – and to help communities rebuild for the long haul back to normalcy.

In recent years, the Federation has swiftly and effectively collected donations that went directly to help:

• Northern Israelis, who faced daily terror threats from Katyusha rockets during the 2006 Lebanon War. Through worldwide Jewish community support – including millions of dollars from Miami residents – our Partner Agencies were able to provide vital relief and respite opportunities to those living in the affected communities, especially the most vulnerable – children, the elderly and the disabled.
• Residents of Sderot, Israel, who faced a dramatic increase in Kassam rocket attacks from Gaza in 2007. With millions of dollars in funding from Miami and Jewish communities around the globe, Federation’s overseas Partner Agencies were able to provide trauma counseling, aid to individuals and families who were attacked, financial assistance to people rebuilding damaged homes and businesses, and much more.
• Refugees and other victims who were displaced as a result of fighting and civil unrest in Soviet Georgia in 2008. But once again, Federation-funded Partner Agencies were there to help. Jewish people in danger were evacuated, young Georgian teens were able to get a respite from the war by attending summer camp in Israel, and the process of aliyah (moving to Israel) was expedited for those in affected areas.
• When devastating fires broke out in Israel’s Carmel Mountain region in December 2010, Federation and its partner agencies already had the infrastructure in place to mobilize immediately and help the victims of this tragic disaster. This enabled relief workers on the ground to provide 1,000 shelter beds for displaced families, launch rehabilitation programs for the elderly and disabled and provide trauma relief for those who lost loved ones in the fire, along with many other vital services.

Outreach Beyond the Jewish World

As it says in the Talmud, “If I am not for others, then who am I for?” Federation and our overseas Partner Agencies provide help and hope through non-sectarian aid for people whose lives are turned upside down by natural disasters, poverty or terror. In the past few years, our community has reached out to:

• Earthquake victims in Haiti. We have collected financial donations, as well as much-needed clothing, household items and medical supplies. We have also worked closely with the Haitian community of Miami and have also sent medical missions to the beleaguered country.
• Tsunami victims in Southeast Asia. After a devastating tsunami hit the region in 2004, Federation and our Partner Agencies responded with donations to help victims and their families, as well as massive ongoing efforts to help rebuild affected areas.
• Japan Earthquake and Tsunami As part of the Jewish community’s response to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011 and affected areas along the Pacific Ocean, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation collected funds to provide immediate humanitarian aid to victims and their families. One hundred percent of all contributions to this fund were allocated directly to the relief effort.
• Natural disaster victims throughout the United States. When we see news of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados and floods, we respond quickly to collect aid for those in immediate need. From Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast to the 2010 Midwest floods, we work with our national partners (including The Jewish Federations of North America) to assess needs and respond effectively. Our efforts have also included hands-on assistance through the Jewish Volunteer Center of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

Whenever and wherever people are in crisis, Miami’s Jewish community is there to reach out and help. You can receive email alerts about future Emergency Relief Campaigns. Sign up here and be among the first to know!