Collecting Funds, Coordinating Relief
Emergency Grant Also Distributed in Japan Following Major Earthquakes

In the wake of a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Ecuador, killing at least 272 people and injuring more than 2,500, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has begun assessing needs and coordinating relief efforts with both the Jewish community of Ecuador and long-standing partner Heart to Heart International focusing on medical care, medical supply provision, and water purification efforts. Donations for these efforts can be made at www.jdc.org/ecuador

"As devastating images from Ecuador surface, JDC extends its deepest condolences and joins our partners to deploy a speedy response that ensures relief to survivors at their greatest time of need," said JDC CEO Alan H. Gill. "Our response in Ecuador, and in Japan, are proud expressions of the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world, and are fortuitous as we lead up to the Passover holiday when we celebrate our redemption from great odds. May all those impacted by these crises experience the same solace and strength that can be found in family and community."

In Ecuador, the earthquake devastated coastal areas nearest the epicenter, including the cities of Manta, Portoviejo, and Pedernales, a major tourist destination, but damage was widespread throughout the country. Members of the Jewish community, mainly located in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil, are actively involved, like their neighbors, in earthquake relief efforts.

In addition to JDC's response in Ecuador, a $25,000 JDC grant for emergency supplies including food and non-food items was made to JDC's longstanding partner, Japanese humanitarian agency "JEN," to aid people impacted by the recent earthquakes in the Kumamoto province. JDC, with a long history of working in Japan, provided emergency relief and long-term recovery aid following the 2011 earthquake and Tsunami.

JDC has provided immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters around the globe, including Nepal, the Philippines, Haiti, Japan, and South Asia after the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and continues to operate programs designed to rebuild infrastructure and community life in disaster-stricken regions. JDC's disaster relief programs are funded by special appeals of the Jewish Federations of North America and tens of thousands of individual donors to JDC. JDC coordinates its relief activities with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, Interaction, and the United Nations.