JDC Press Release
May 31, 2005
 The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
From Steven Schwager, Executive Vice President


212.885.0818 • claire.schultz@jdcny.org

**For Immediate Release**

AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE TO HOLD TRAUMA RELIEF SEMINARS IN PHUKET

Israeli Mental Health Experts To Lead Courses






The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) today announced that it will be holding a series of regional seminars in treating trauma through art therapy from June 2 through 13 in Phuket, Thailand. The seminars will be run by a group of Israeli trauma specialists. More than 200 education, social work and mental health professionals from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore are expected to participate.

Phuket is one of the localities hit the hardest by the December 26 tsunami, which ravaged the region causing more than 280,000 casualties and destroying millions of homes. Since the tsunami, JDC has raised more than $18 million through its South Asia Tsunami Relief mailbox. Among the organization's top priorities has been working with local NGOs on improving psychosocial services. Its principal strategy has been to leverage Israeli expertise in addressing mental health issues associated with acute trauma; the regional makeup of this seminar demonstrates the level of international respect Israel has gained in this field.

Israeli experts scheduled to lead the seminar include:

Dr. Ofra Ayalon Ph.D - Trauma psychologist and international consultant on children and families in disaster.

Nira Shiran-Mizrahi M.Ed - Art therapist, group facilitator, international trainer in expressive arts and Mandala work.

Dr. Gillat Raisch M.D - Pediatrician & family doctor (Medical Director of Maccabi Health Services.

"Repairing the world is one of the most fundamental principles of Judaism," said Will Recant, Ph.D, project director of JDC's non-sectarian relief program. "JDC has been very focused on figuring out how we can add value to the trauma relief effort. Because of Israel's experience in handling civilian trauma, psychosocial services is an area where we can mobilize our existing resources to make a distinct difference in this region. Through this work, the Jewish people are reaching out to Muslim people as friends."







The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) serves as the overseas arm of the organized North American Jewish community providing relief for Jews in need, promoting Jewish renewal, rebuilding Jewish communities, and helping Israel address its most urgent social challenges.

The JDC receives its funds primarily from American Jewry through the Jewish Federations of the United States and the United Jewish Communities. JDC also receives funding from World Jewish Relief of Great Britain and UIA Federations Canada.

Through "Open Maibox" campaigns, JDC's non-sectarian International Development Program (IDP)provides Jews with a way to respond to disasters and furnish develpment assistance worldwide.