A Year After a Disaster, Federation Partner IsraAid Continues to Support Japan
March 11, 2012, marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. Over the course of this past year, IsraAID, a funded agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, has worked tirelessly to support the people of Northern Japan's Tohoku region.
Only four days after the disaster, IsraAID was on the scene, helping to clean up destroyed houses, rebuild damaged buildings, open child safety centers, and distribute emergency aid to the tens of thousands of survivors and displaced people living in shelters.
After the rebuilding efforts were fully under way, IsraAID shifted its focus from the physical destruction that the city had undergone to the loss and trauma suffered by its inhabitants. Because of the frequent geopolitical turbulence in Israel, those who work there have become experts in post-trauma treatment.
IsraAID began bringing experienced post-trauma therapists from Israel who specialized in different types of treatment to help the residents heal. IsraAID professionals not only worked directly with the victims of the tsunami, but also trained Japanese professionals and local community support groups in therapeutic techniques and exercises. Furthermore, IsraAID teams are teaching local leaders, organizations and city officials how to help residents cope with the devastation.
IsraAID’s efforts, which have been applauded by Japanese officials and duplicated in other cities in Japan, will continue to grow as IsraAID develops a new youth leadership training program and expands in presence in Tohoku and elsewhere.
After the earthquake and tsunami, Federation collected more than $50,000 in funding to assist IsraAid and its emergency relief mission to Japan, with 100 percent of these funds going directly to help those affected by the disaster. Other money was distributed through The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and supported projects by longtime Federation partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and others.
To learn more about Federation’s overseas partners, please click here, or contact Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department at [email protected] or 786.866.8445.
