International disaster response team launched by World Jewish Relief

An international disaster response team is to be launched by the community’s leading humanitarian charity to help those in need at times of crisis.

World Jewish Relief (WJR) will compile a crack team of its most experienced volunteers to be on hand to respond to global catastrophes.

The group of skilled workers, sourced from within the community, must be available to be deployed at short notice to support relief and recovery efforts.

When a disaster occurs, WJR’s team arrives in affected areas and within days carries out needs assessments and selects local partners to work with. The disaster response team will bolster their presence and capacity, using their skills to identify partners, and ensuring responses directly meet humanitarian needs.

WJR is looking for people with  international humanitarian and development experience, in fields such as needs assessment, food distribution, water and sanitation and emergency provision of temporary shelter.

“In the aftermath of any international catastrophe, responding in a timely and skilled way is essential to save lives and reduce suffering. WJR needs additional expertise, which we know exists within our community to assist us in this critical endeavour,”said WJR chief executive Paul Anticoni.

“This is a brilliant opportunity for the right people to play their part in our front line emergency response work fulfilling the Jewish imperative of tikkun olam – fixing the world.”