DONATIONS FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF

JDC Raising Funds For South Asia Tsunami Relief

New York, NY; December 27, 2004---The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has set up a special emergency mailbox to collect funds for relief efforts following Sunday's earthquake and subsequent tidal waves in South Asia.

These events have caused mass devastation and loss of life. Funds raised will help various agencies on the ground provide emergency supplies for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been left homeless due to flooding and structural damage. "This is one of the most catastrophic natural disasters we've ever seen," said Steven Schwager, JDC's executive vice president. "Our 90-year-old organization has an outstanding track record of providing timely relief in the wake of disasters worldwide. Our prayers go out to the people of South Asia; on behalf of the North American Jewish community, JDC will do everything it can to help them in their time of need."

Contributions can be made by credit card via JDC's WEBSITE or via phone: 212-687-6200 ext. 851, or by check payable to: "JDC: South Asia Tsunami Relief" Box 321, 847A Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017

JDC serves as the overseas arm of the North American Jewish community providing relief, promoting Jewish renewal, rebuilding Jewish communities in 60 countries around the world, and helping Israel address its most urgent social challenges. JDC's programs are supported primarily by contributions to the annual campaigns of the Jewish Community Federations throughout North America in partnership with United Jewish Communities (UJC).

SEE ALSO: American Jewish World Service Tsunami Relief

AJWS is sending humanitarian aid to the people affected by the tsunami caused by the world's largest earthquake in 40 years. More than 40,000 people are known dead; thousands are still missing, and more than one million people are left displaced and homeless in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Burma, and Maldives. For several years, AJWS has partnered with 24 non-governmental, community-based organizations in the region on sustainable community development projects.


AJWS is working with these local groups to assess needs and provide emergency relief - food, water, shelter and medicine - and long-term development support.


Donations for this relief effort are being sought and can be made by mail, phone or Web site: American Jewish World Service, Asia Tsunami Relief, 45 West 36th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018, 800-889-7146.