JDC Accepts Donations to Aid Victims of Myanmar Cyclone Nargis
CONTACT: Dara Lehon, JDC, Phone: 212.885.0838, Email: dara.lehon@jdcny.org
---Emergency Mailbox Opened to Provide Immediate and Long-Term Relief --–
New York, NY, May 5, 2008—The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) today announced that it opened an emergency mailbox to collect funds for relief efforts following May 3rd’s Cyclone Nargis which hit Myanmar, where it currently assists some of the estimated 10 Jews. Funds are being collected-on a non-sectarian basis-to aid the estimated several hundred thousand cyclone victims without shelter and safe drinking water. The efforts are part of JDC’s International Development Program (IDP) which responds to natural and manmade disasters, providing immediate relief and long term assistance.
"Our hearts go out to those suffering. We are quickly mobilizing to assess the situation and help those in need in Myanmar," said Steve Schwager, Chief Executive Officer, JDC. "We are now in contact with leaders from the local Jewish community in Yangon and with other disaster relief partners in the region to determine an appropriate emergency response, one that ensures that we reach those who are not being served by others," he continued.
JDC’s non-sectarian efforts have provided aid to those affected by the cyclone in Bangladesh; the earthquake in Peru; the Tsunami in South Asia; the floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic; the victims of terror in Turkey; the earthquakes in El Salvador, India, Morocco, and Turkey; the displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the eruption of the Mt. Nyiragongo volcano; and the war-torn communities in Kosovo.
To Make a Contribution:
Online: www.jdc.org
By Phone: 212-687-6200
By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Myanmar Cyclone Relief
P.O. Box 530
132 East 43rd St
New York, NY, 10017
About JDC
Founded in 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) gives global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. Working on behalf of North America’s Jewish communities, JDC is dedicated to rescuing those in danger, providing relief to Jews in distress, and revitalizing overseas Jewish communities. JDC is committed to helping Israel’s most vulnerable citizens overcome the social challenges they still face through special partnerships and innovation. In the spirit of "healing the world," JDC also offers non-sectarian disaster relief and longer-term development assistance worldwide.
