The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, alongside Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), is mobilizing a communal response to the super Typhoon Haiyan, which has wrought widespread destruction in the Philippines. Jewish Federation opened a mailbox to support relief efforts. One hundred percent of the funds raised in the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund will be used by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) — JFNA’s partner agency –– to provide direct relief on the ground.
The typhoon, one of the strongest storms on record, has wrought widespread destruction. More than 10,000 people are feared dead, with reports of ocean surges as high as trees. The central city of Tacloban on the island of Leyte is among the worst hit on the Pacific nation. According to JTA, at least half a million people also have been left homeless by the devastating typhoon.
Currently, JDC is consulting with local officials, the Filipino Jewish community and global partners to assess the evolving situation on the ground. The Federation-supported JDC has led relief efforts for previous storms in the Philippines, and helped support the local Jewish community in a nation that sheltered 1,000 European Jews fleeing the Nazis during World War II.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Filipino people suffering from this unimaginable destruction and loss of human life, and to their family and friends around the world — including in Kansas City — who are so worried about them,” said Patricia Werthan Uhlmann, Jewish Federation board chair. “It is at times like this that I am so proud to be a part of two organizations that care so much, and are able to mobilize so quickly to help those in dire need: Jewish Federation and JDC.”
The JFNA Emergency Committee is coordinating the Federation response with JDC and its global disaster relief partners.
Donations are now being accepted to help victims of the typhoon. Again, 100 percent of donations will go directly to relief and recovery efforts. You may donate online at jewishkansascity.org/TyphoonReliefFund; donate via phone by contacting Gail Weinberg, director of financial resource development, at 913-327-8123; or donate via mail by sending a check to Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, 5801 W. 115 Street, Suite 201, Overland Park, KS 66211, Attn: Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund.
