World Jewish Relief launch emergency Typhoon Haiyan appeal

 An emergency appeal has been launched by World Jewish Relief to help the millions of people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

The 300-mile wide disaster, one of the most powerful to ever make landfall, is believed to have killed up to 10,000 people and hundreds of thousands have been displaced without shelter, food and water.

Many children have been unable to find their families in the devastation, while others are at serious risk of infection and dehydration. The WJR appeal – which is being backed by Anglo-Jewry’s synagogual bodies and major community organisations – is raising funds toprovide temporary shelter, food and medical support for the most in need.

Paul Anticoni, chief executive of the charity, said: “This is the worst natural disaster the world has seen for years. The force and scale of this typhoon is unimaginable. As part of the Jewish community’s response to this emergency we are appealing for urgent support to help us reach those in most desperate need.”

He added: “We hope that the community will be as generous as possible to help us distribute much-needed assistance to those affected. We are inspired by the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam – ‘Healing the World’ – WJR has a critical role in leading British Jewry’s response to international disasters such as this one.” The appeal is the second to be launched by WJTR in as many months following a call to aid those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria.