Horrific Earthquake in Haiti Demands Immediate Response

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday evening. The worst earthquake ever experienced by Haiti has left countless thousands dead and injured. It has been estimated that one-third of Haiti 's 9 million people will face extreme hardship. Haiti is the poorest country in our part of the world and its people already live in dire poverty. We have all seen the heart-rending pictures from the disaster.

Judaism demands that we not turn our backs on those who are in desperate need of our help.

The Jewish community has always been at the forefront at times when when immediate help is essential. Here are two ways you can respond through Jewish organizations:

The United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh has set up an Emergency Mailbox for donations. These will be sent directly to the disaster scene through the Joint Distribution Committee, which has vast experience on the ground in the most trying circumstances. Contributions can be made online or by sending a check, made payable to UJF/Haitian Relief Fund, to UJF, 234 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Our own Reform movement also has a history of rapid response, and all contributions go directly to the efforts in Haiti. Donations to the Union for Reform Judaism Haiti Relief Fund can be made online or by check (note: Haiti Relief in the memo section) to:

Union for Reform Judaism
Attention: Development
633 Third Avenue , 7th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Rabbi Tarfon tells us "It is not your responsibility to save the entire world, but neither are you free from doing your part."

Yours in Social Justice,
The Tikkun Olam Center

(Keep your eyes and ears open to the efforts for Haitian Relief which be launched by Mitzvah Mishpachah and the children of our Religious School.)