British Jews and Asians help raise £115K for emergency India Covid appeal

British Jewish and Asian communities have united to raised almost £115,000 in support of an emergency appeal to fight the coronavirus crisis in India.

The British Indian Jewish Association (BIJA) backed a fundraising campaign launched by the British Asian Trust, to treat the millions affected by the virus in the sub-continent.

This comes amid a huge surge in cases in India, with Sky News reporting the figure has now soared past 20 million, as the country’s healthcare system teeters on the brink of collapse

The trust’s campaign has raised £1,759,472 so far, with the BIJA’s fundraising drive contributing £115,310.

The donations will provide oxygen for patients amid rapidly depleting supplies, with £50 capable of providing oxygen for 40 patients, £450 going towards a low-flow oxygen concentrator to help 900, and £830 allowing for a high-flow oxygen concentrator to help 550, for the most seriously ill.

Backing the campaign, BIJA Co-Chairs Zaki Cooper and Dr Peter Chadha said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to the appeal. Thank you to each and every one of our donors. We know there are lots of deserving causes out there and that people have dug deep. India is a very special country to so many in our communities. This fund-raising effort shows that we stand in solidarity with the people of India in combating this terrible virus. We will keep going as our traditions teach us about the sanctity and importance of every human life.”

The Asian Jewish Business Network is also supporting the appeal, with director Russell Bahar, saying: “We are dedicated to help and support BIJA along with British Asian Trust Emergency Appeal with the very unfortunate escalating COVID situation happening in India, we need your help. Together we can help, together we can make a difference, together we can make a change.”

Hitan Mehta, Executive Director, British Asian Trust said: “We are delighted that BIJA is supporting our campaign. Already through the generosity of hundreds of donors, we have raised over £90,000 in since the weekend. Through mobilising the British Jews and British Indian communities, BIJA is demonstrating the universal principle of helping those in need, something promoted by all the great religions.”

You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/indiacovidappeal

Or, through the British Indian Jewish Association, here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BritishIndianJewishAssociation