Jun 20, 2011

IsraAid Provides Assistance in Japan

In the months following the devastating March 2011 tsunami in Japan, Greater Miami Jewish Federation overseas partner IsraAid, a humanitarian relief coalition, has been providing relief for more than 10 shelters in the Japanese cities of Watari, Yamamoto and Sendai. Just days after the March 10 earthquake and tsunami, IsraAID was on the ground assessing the situation, building partnerships and providing urgently needed relief items to communities in the north. To date, IsraAid has had four ground missions operating back to back for the past three months. The first two missions included medical personnel and relief workers, while the last two included post-trauma support and supplies.

Recently, IsraAid distributed much-needed kits to 100 children living in six shelters in the Japanese city of Watari. The kits included basic educational items to help children return to school, as well as food and humanitarian supplies. In addition, teachers and local government officials at area schools have received training to help students experiencing post-event trauma. Due to this successful approach and the trust built within the local community, five additional small towns have requested the same assistance.

IsraAid is one of many overseas partners Greater Miami Jewish Federation supports. The Federation is collecting funds to assist IsraAid and its emergency relief mission to Japan. More than $50,000 has been raised through Federation for tsunami relief, 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 American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and others.

To make a contribution to the Japan Tsunami Fund, click here or call 305.576.4000.