Hurricane Matthew appeal launched by World Jewish Relief

World Jewish Relief has launched an emergency appeal following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti.

Hundreds have died and whole towns have been swept away, with tens of thousands of people displaced from their homes. The risk of a surge in cholera cases increases daily.

Donations to World Jewish Relief’s appeal will provide emergency relief items such as food and water, shelter and hygiene kits.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis encouraged the community to support World Jewish Relief’s emergency appeal and said: “The pictures of the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew are truly harrowing. The words, “who will enjoy tranquillity and who will suffer” will carry additional meaning for us at this time of the Jewish year. As we approach Yom Kippur, we extend our heartfelt prayers for the thousands of victims of this disaster and for the wellbeing of those who might yet be affected.”

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism said: “With a heightened awareness of life and death at this time of year we have to do everything we can to enable other people to be inscribed in the book of life. I support and admire the work of World Jewish Relief and ask you at this time to give tzedakah to their emergency appeal – this is an obligation, not a choice.”

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism said: “I am thinking of those bereaved, homeless and suffering from Hurricane Matthew in Haiti and Florida. Please support World Jewish Relief’s Emergency Appeal generously.”

Rabbi Danny Rich, Senior Rabbi & Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism said: “At this season of all seasons when we contemplate our personal failures and the challenges of our world, the people and island of Haiti should be at the forefront of our minds. I applaud World Jewish Relief for its initiative and trust that Liberal Jews, in concert with others, will respond generously.”

Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Senior Rabbi at The S&P Sephardi Community said: “We at the S&P Sephardi Community are distressed at the devastation caused in Haiti, including the tragic death of so many people, by this natural disaster.  We support the work that World Jewish Relief is undertaking to offer help to those affected and in desperate need.  We pray that the destructive force of Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful Caribbean storm in a decade, abates swiftly and allows the people of Haiti to deal with the extensive damage wrought.  We commend World Jewish Relief, along with all the other relief agencies, as they assist in the aftermath of this hurricane.”

World Jewish Relief’s Chief Executive, Paul Anticoni, said: “We are proud to lead the Jewish community’s response to international disasters. On the High Holy Days we recite the Unetaneh Tokef: “who will live and who will die; who will die at their predestined time and who before their time; who by water and who by fire”. These words are particularly apposite for the people of Haiti today.”

As the UK Jewish community’s humanitarian agency, World Jewish Relief worked in Haiti after the earthquake in 2010, helping over 100,000 people by providing them with urgent humanitarian support and setting up primary healthcare mobile clinics.

World Jewish Relief works with partners to ensure that the funds raised will assist those in dire need. After the initial disaster response, World Jewish Relief will use its expertise to support Haitians in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods in the wake of this disaster.

You can donate to the campaign here: www.worldjewishrelief.org/haiti