Emergency appeal launched
The Australian Jewish community has launched an appeal to help those affected by the deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. All funds raised as part of the communal appeal will assist IsraAID's efforts on the ground.
The Australian Jewish community has mobilised and joined forces to launch an emergency appeal in response to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
“It was devastating last week to watch the events unfold following the earthquake.
“Every morning, we were waking up to news that thousands more people had lost their lives,” said Stand Up CEO Courtney Winter-Peters.
“But what is heartening at times like this is the way the global community, and certainly the Jewish community, is able to step into action,” she added.
Within 24 hours, Stand Up, together with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD) and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), supported by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), launched a communal emergency appeal in support of IsraAID.
“I am so proud to be a part of a community that so consistently channels its compassion, expertise and resources to make a difference,” said Winter-Peters.
Echoing these sentiments was JBD president David Ossip, who told The AJN, “The NSW Jewish community stands with the people of Turkey and Syria at this terrible time and sends our deepest condolences to the families of those killed in these tragedies.
“When disaster strikes, no matter where in the world, we as a community understand the importance of tikkun olam and doing all we can to assist. We urge the community to donate whatever they can to assist recovery efforts and to pray for a full and speedy recovery for the injured.”
All funds raised as part of the communal appeal will assist IsraAID’s efforts on the ground.
IsraAID, the largest humanitarian aid organisation in Israel, had their team on the ground within two days of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
“The massive earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria are one of the worst natural disasters to hit in over 10 years. Our hearts are with the millions who have lost their homes and loved ones” said IsraAID CEO Yotam Politzer.
The local Jewish groups have been in regular contact with IsraAID to understand its operations and ongoing requirements.
Politzer said, “IsraAID is committed to supporting the resilience of the affected communities as they start on the long road to recovery”.
JCCV president Daniel Aghion said, “The value of tzedakah is fundamental to who we are and the JCCV is pleased to support this Jewish community emergency appeal. We really do see the best of the Jewish community during the most catastrophic situations.”
All donations above $2 are tax deductible. Donate: standup.org.au/turkey_syria_earthquake_appeal
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