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- 2,000k (broadband) JDC has raised over $17 million to date for its disaster response program. Assessment teams have visited India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, and Indonesia – the four most severely affected countries – and JDC has allocated $4 million for emergency relief and assistance activities.

In India, work with the Disaster Mitigation Institute focuses on providing shelter, reestablishing livelihoods, and distributing emergency items. Five hundred shelters were constructed in five villages of the Vellupuram district, Tamil Nadu. Small grants will help restore the livelihoods of 1,200 families in 10 villages, and local professionals will mentor up to 300 youth who wish to start new occupations in higher value sectors, such as in marketing, trade, and service.

In collaboration with the Meenakshi Mission Hospital, more than $300,000 worth of pharmaceuticals are being distributed through four mobile clinics in Tamil Nadu. A partnership with the Israeli NGO, Brit Olam/Topaz, is enabling 12 Israeli medical and health professionals to volunteer alongside Meenakshi Mission Hospital professionals in 200 villages along the Pondicherry coast.

A partnership with Caritas/Catholic Relief has provided 750 families in Vypen Island, Kerala, with food, and 500 families with kitchen utensils. Food was also provided to 1,500 families over a three-month period in Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, to a total of 3,000 families in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, five hundred children were given kits, uniforms, exercise books, and bags that have enabled them to return to school. JDC also partnered with Vardhman Sanskar Dham (VSD Trust) in Aayampettai village in Cuddlaore, Tamil Nadu, and 67 families were provided with shelter.

JDC Tsunami Relief: India

In Sri Lanka, JDC is working with the renowned local organization, Sarvodaya, in the most severely affected districts of Ampara, Kalmunai, and Batticaloa on Sri Lanka’s east coast, and in Galle, on Sri Lanka’s southern tip. Some 47,000 individuals will benefit, many of whom will be children, women and the elderly.

JDC is helping to address the psychosocial needs of individuals in 20 villages. Sarvodaya staff conducted field visits to these villages to involve and train local leaders and begin activities. In addition, 2,000 children from the villages have been provided with school kits which included school uniforms, shoes, socks, school bags, exercise books, pencils, and a hygiene kit with soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. The school uniforms were sewn by local residents through a cash-for-work program. Through the "Rehabilitating Homes in Galle" project, 30 lower-middle class families that are not receiving assistance from any other source will be provided with furniture, bedding, kitchen utensils, cutlery, and linens so that they can return to their homes once repairs are completed.

JDC Tsunami Relief: Sri Lanka

In the hard-hit Aceh Province of Indonesia, JDC is working with its long-time partner, the International Rescue Committee. Projects are addressing some of the material and psychosocial needs of children and families; helping to rebuild the devastated health care system; and contributing to long-term income generation and job creation efforts. IRC has been active in Indonesia for many years and has the experience and local infrastructure that is vital for success in this very complicated and politically charged environment. JDC has also identified local partners through which urgently needed supplies such as mattresses and bed sets are being distributed to individuals and hospitals. Water containers will be provided to 40,000 people.

In Thailand JDC is partnering with the local NGO, Population and Community Development Association (PDA) and the Israeli Embassy to establish 10 "healing camps" for 500 children from the south. They will take part in activities such as hiking and swimming, as well as classes on topics such as the dangers of drug use over a one-week period in a supportive environment. When the "campers" return home, follow-up activities will allow them to take on leadership roles and work with other youth to revitalize their communities. Forty-five Muslim youth between 18-24 years old from Krabi and Phnang Nga participated in the first camp session. Youth from the north and northeast served as camp counselors. Activities were led by local psychologists; Dr. Nila Kapor-Stanulovic, an award-winning Professor of Psychology from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia; and the Israeli ‘Dream Doctors,’ a team of professional clowns. Following this model, additional sessions are now being planned.

JDC has also joined with PDA to rehabilitate the village of Ban Pat in Muang District, Phang Nga Province, in cooperation with its residents. School scholarships, meals, clothes, and supplies will be provided; income-generating activities will be restored; and water, sanitation and waste management services will be reestablished.

A partnership with Chabad allowed medical help, meals, and clothing to be provided to tsunami survivors. A portion of funds raised by JDC will be retained for the rebuilding of infrastructure, such as schools, clinics, and/or community centers. Planning for this stage has already begun with local entities. JDC is also identifying opportunities for additional partnerships with the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s international development arm, Mashav, and Israeli NGOs in the longer-term reconstruction of affected regions.

JDC Tsunami Relief: Thailand

A portion of funds raised by JDC will be retained for intermediate-term rehabilitation, such as rebuilding schools, clinics, and/or orphanages. This work will begin as soon as the situation on the ground allows.

JDC is also overseeing the 38-member Jewish Coalition for Asia Tsunami Relief allowing North American Jewish organizations to coordinate efforts and maximize donor dollars.

For JDC's historical role, please click here:
JDC Non-Sectarian Programs: 90 Years of Strengthening the World
JDC's Disaster Responses over the past two decades

HOW TO DONATE

Contributions can be made by credit card via JDC's website: https://www.jdc.org/donation/jdc_form.cfm,

via phone: 212-687-6200, or by check payable to:

"JDC: South Asia Tsunami Relief"

Box 321

847A Second Avenue

New York, NY 10017

JDC serves as the overseas arm of the North American Jewish community providing relief, promoting Jewish renewal, rebuilding Jewish communities in 60 countries around the world, helping Israel address its most urgent social challenges and supporting non-sectarian relief efforts. JDC's programs are supported primarily by contributions to the annual campaigns of the Jewish Community Federations throughout North America in partnership with United Jewish Communities (UJC).