The Jewish Federations of North America have established the Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund to provide humanitarian aid and support recovery efforts following two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Federations have a long and proud history of response to global crises, aiding vulnerable Jewish populations and individuals of all faiths and backgrounds in the hardest-hit places. Our overseas partners, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and The Jewish Agency for Israel, are already in motion and are assessing needs to determine how to be best positioned to help provide immediate assistance to the Venezuelan Jewish community and meet evolving humanitarian needs. Relief efforts include emergency food distribution, temporary shelter, and other essential support for families and communities impacted by the disaster.
Three community members have been confirmed dead, and one remains missing after the building they were in collapsed. Sadly, those numbers are expected to rise. Many families have been displaced as homes were damaged or rendered uninhabitable. Across the country, emergency responders continue search and rescue efforts as communities face widespread disruption and the need for ongoing assistance.
It is at moments like this that all Federations and all our donors can - and should - be rightfully proud that we are already helping. Thanks to our core funding that enables our global partners to build and maintain the capability to respond immediately to emergencies facing Jewish communities around the world, the Venezuelan Jewish community is already receiving help.
In times of crisis, Jewish Federations are uniquely positioned to respond quickly and effectively. Through the Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund, we are ensuring that critical resources reach those most affected while standing with the Jewish community of Venezuela during this difficult time.