More Aid for Haiti Relief Efforts

The total donated to UJA-Federation of New York's Haiti Relief Fund has grown to nearly $400,000, and it is being used to help pay for a field hospital in Haiti, as well as essential food, water, medical supplies, and other equipment in the country reeling from a massive earthquake January 12th.

The money, given by more than 1,500 donors during the last two weeks, is being transferred to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for urgent current needs, UJA-Federation's executive vice president and CEO, John S. Ruskay, announced. One hundred percent of the money given to the Haiti fund is being used directly for relief efforts. UJA-Federation's relief money is part of more than $3 million raised by national federations and JDC.

Ruskay thanked all who have given to the UJA-Federation fund to date, and said, "May the days and weeks to come bring healing and a sense of recovery for the people of Haiti. This money will provide care for the injured desperately in need of medical attention, and food and vital help for those who are struggling to survive."

The money transferred to JDC is funding operations on the ground to address high-priority needs, such as:

• Providing emergency medical care to injured and sick Haitians, including those treated at the Israeli Defense Forces’ field hospital set up in the immediate aftermath of the quake.

• Purchasing medical equipment and supplies, including infant incubators, orthopedic and prosthetic equipment, and trucks to transport medical personnel to the more remote areas affected by the quake.

• Distributing food and clean water to survivors of the disaster.

"This outpouring of support symbolizes our commitment to relieve the pain of those who are suffering, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or religion," Ruskay said. "The critical issue here is not about UJA-Federation individually, but what we, as part of the international community, as part of the human family, can do to provide assistance to a people and a country that has been devastated by a natural disaster."

Ruskay added, "These funds come as a tangible and visible expression of the continuing commitment of the New York Jewish community to care both for our own community and for all who are in need."

Donations can continue to be made to UJA-Federation for the Haiti Relief Fund and will be turned over to JDC.