DISASTER RELIEF

Natural disasters leave communities locally and across the world reeling from the destruction caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, tsunamis, and other forces of nature. We have the resources and experience to work with our partners to rebuild lives.

OUR IMPACT

• When wildfires tore through the Los Angeles metropolitan area in January 2025, leaving 29 people killed, more than 200,000 forced to evacuate, and 18,000 damaged homes and structures, we worked with our partner the Afya Foundation to ship and distribute critically needed medical supplies, including near to expiry PPE, respiratory and primary care supplies, to clinics and NGOs in the affected areas.
  
  
• When Hurricane Helene killed hundreds, left thousands unaccounted for, and washed away entire communities in September 2024, we helped support the affected communities and aided in the distribution of medical necessities, food, and water to area residents.
  
  
• When devastating wildfires tore through Maui in September 2023, we worked with our partner the Afya Foundation in the collection, packing, and delivery of medical supplies and equipment.
  
  
• When a 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria in 2023, we allocated $278,000 to provide food, shelter, and medicine for members of the Jewish community and beyond. Learn more.
  
  
• When tornadoes tore through Kentucky in 2021, we supported relief efforts by the Louisville (Kentucky) Federation and the Afya Foundation that included airlifting medical supplies and hygiene kits.
  
  
• When Hurricane Laura wrought a path of destruction in Louisiana and Texas in 2021, we supported the Afya Foundation’s relief efforts.
  
  
• When a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti in 2021, we provided emergency funds to the Afya Foundation for emergency supplies and to Capracare, a Haitian-led global health nonprofit with a strong record for providing on-the-ground relief.
  
  
• When Hurricane Dorian, the strongest hurricane on record in the Bahamas, hit in 2019, we provided humanitarian aid. Learn more. 
  
  
• When Hurricanes Florence and Michael hit the Carolinas and the Florida panhandle in the fall of 2018, we collaborated with the Afya Foundation, organizing collection sites for essential goods and a volunteer day to sort and package supplies.
  
  
• When a deadly earthquake and tsunami struck Indonesia in fall 2018, our overseas partner the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, was on the ground providing emergency medical services, essential supplies, and psychosocial support.
  
  
• When Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit Puerto Rico and the Caribbean in the fall of 2017, we led a substantial relief effort. We helped dispatch 29 flights and a cargo ship to Puerto Rico and St.
  Thomas, delivering more than 100,000 pounds of humanitarian and medical supplies worth more than $4 million.
  
  
• When Hurricane Harvey in 2017 left a path of destruction in Texas, we sent senior staff members to Houston to share expertise gained during Hurricane Sandy. Our support, close to $1 million, provided cash assistance, relocation for a day school and early childhood center, trauma relief through the Israel Trauma Coalition, and other services. Learn more about our relief effort.
  
  
• When Hurricane Sandy ravaged New York in 2012, we allocated more than $14 million to nonprofit partners, synagogues, and Jewish day schools. Our support provided cash assistance for more than 2,000 people, nonmedical supplies for 25,000 individuals, and 281,000 meals. We also enabled trauma counseling, legal services, financial counseling, and door-to-door outreach.
  
  
• When Hurricane Katrina in 2005 took a terrible toll on thousands of lives and homes, UJA raised $5 million to support crisis intervention, health care, reconstruction, and recovery for the most vulnerable. We also contributed to the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast’s Jewish communities.