The American Jewish World Service is sending humanitarian aid to the people affected by the tsunami from the largest earthquake in nearly half a century.
In addition to the tens of thousands known dead, thousands are still missing, and hundreds of thousands are 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 or make a secure, online donation now.
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has also set up a special emergency mailbox to collect funds for relief efforts, with contributions by credit card available here.