American Jewish World Service Launches Disaster Donation Drive for Nepal and India

New York, NY – In the wake of the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal, India and Bangladesh today, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) has launched a disaster donation drive to raise and distribute aid through an Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund to organizations in hard hit areas of Nepal and India. The quake has killed more than 3,800 people and injured thousands more, amid extensive, widespread damage. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands may be injured or die and up to 900,000 people may become homeless as a result of today’s earthquake.

AJWS, the leading international Jewish development and human rights organization, has a decades-long history of responding to disasters around the world, including the powerful 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013 and the outbreak of Ebola in Liberia last year.

Individuals and organizations that wish to make donations for emergency relief services and long-term recovery can visit the AJWS website. All funds will support community-based organizations providing both short-term disaster relief in the wake of the quake and long-term support for recovery. AJWS makes grants to local organizations that focus on the most vulnerable communities and individuals, including ethnic minorities, women, girls and LGBT people.

“Responding to people in need is a core Jewish value that motivates our work around the world. As the very grim picture in Nepal becomes clear, with thousands dead, injured and homeless, we are stepping up to do our part as Jews to make a difference for the people of Nepal and northern India,” said Ruth Messinger, AJWS president. “We will join with global citizens of every background to get the people of Nepal the help they need for immediate disaster relief and for long-term recovery efforts.”

AJWS is recognized as one of the nation’s most effective charitable organizations by Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau and other organizations that rate the quality and reliability of charitable organizations.

For More Information

If you are a member of the press and wish to obtain information about our work or speak to a member of our global team on deadline, please contact Tanyanika Davis, Director of Media Relations, at tdavis@ajws.org.