Feb 8, 2023

Federation Responds to Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria with Emergency Relief Fund

More than four days after devastating earthquakes rocked Turkey and Syria, leaving more than 20,000 dead and 1 million displaced, we are still witnessing miraculous rescues of individuals being pulled from the rubble. Your donation to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Turkey-Syria Earthquakes Emergency Fund goes directly to emergency response organizations, which are already on the ground providing humanitarian aid. Cadena, an international, disaster-response nonprofit and Federation partner, is using its Life Locator, a tool that can track signs of life in disaster situations. Working closely with Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command, they have already rescued at least one person alive. Our overseas partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) responded within hours of the earthquakes and has been distributing ready-to-eat meals, blankets and thermal clothing, heated tents and first aid kits, and is working with the Turkish Embassy to deliver medical supplies to hospitals severely damaged by the disaster that are continuing to treat survivors. In addition to Cadena and JDC, there has been a significant response by Israeli organizations including IsraAID, United Hatzalah, Magen David Adom and Natan.