In just one week after Jewish Federation started accepting donations, nearly $20,000 has been raised, to date, for victims. Donations continue to roll in online and through the mail.
In just one week after Jewish Federation of St. Louis started accepting donations to provide humanitarian aid for victims of Hurricane Sandy, nearly $20,000 poured in from the St. Louis Jewish community through donations online and through the mail. (This figure does not include those who donated directly to the Jewish Federations of North America [JFNA], the national organization representing more than 155 North American Jewish Federations.)
The storm hit the area of the country with the greatest population density of the U.S. Jewish community, pointed out Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., Federation President and CEO. “Because of this, Sandy disproportionally affected our religious and cultural institutions; they have been damaged and will need repair. Giving through Jewish Federation ensures that the particular needs of our community – both individuals and institutions – are not forgotten as part of the overall relief effort. Our mission is to support the needs of Jews here and wherever they are in need. In addition,” said Rehfeld, “since our tradition teaches us to support Jews as Jews and as Jews to all, we are committed to helping the community at large.”
As with Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin tornado, Federation helps facilitate recovery, providing aid, comfort and support during any emergency, whether natural disasters or humanitarian crises. This is done through emergency funds and donations to Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign.
All Hurricane Relief funds collected by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis will be pooled and distributed through JFNA and directed to social welfare agencies in the affected areas serving both the Jewish and general communities. Jewish Federation of St. Louis will absorb all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to aid those most grievously affected.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis is the Jewish community’s central philanthropic, planning and community-building organization. Federation is committed to the ongoing development and enhancement of a thriving Jewish community through a family of more than 60 local, national and international agencies, programs, services and innovative projects. Federation’s annual Community Campaign and ongoing Planned Giving opportunities raise funds necessary to provide services to engage both young families with children and young adults, support Jewish learning, educate and advocate for a strong Israel and safe Jewish world, and provide a safety net for vulnerable Jews. Learn more about ways to give on our website. Jewish Federation is a proud member of the United Way.