FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEWISH FEDERATION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS TO RAISE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKES IN SYRIA AND TURKEY
SPRINGFIELD, MA February 8, 2023 — In response to the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria early Monday, the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts has joined with Jewish Federations of North America to launch an earthquake relief fund to provide humanitarian aid and to support recovery efforts. Jewish Federations’ overseas partners are on the ground in Turkey to assess the needs and determine how to be best positioned to help.
“We are answering the call from those affected in Syria and Turkey by mobilizing our community’s collective giving power,” said Nora Gorenstein, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. “Doing good wherever it is needed is at the heart of our Federation mission and are proud to join forces with Jewish Federation of North America to send necessary funding and support to those affected by the earthquake.”
Jewish Federations have a long and proud history of response to global crises, aiding vulnerable Jewish populations and individuals of all faiths and backgrounds in the hardest-hit places, providing food, shelter, medicine, and other forms of humanitarian aid. Funds have supported hundreds of relief efforts in the aftermath of major disasters, from California wildfires to tsunamis in Asia, to hurricanes and flooding in the Gulf to tornadoes in the Midwest.
Jewish Federations of North America Board Chair Julie Platt added, “We mourn the tragic loss of life brought by this disaster and send our hopes and prayers for all those who have been injured. We remain in close contact with our disaster relief partners on the ground and are mobilizing our communities to raise funds to support their life-giving work. Our Jewish value of tikkun olam, to repair the world, guide us day-in and day-out to extend our hands to those in need, and Jewish Federations pledge to carry out this mandate with pride and dignity.”
To make a donation through the Jewish Federations of North America to provide essential support to those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey visit https://tinyurl.com/mpamc9pe.
About the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
Grounded in the values of justice, repairing the world, and Jewish unity, the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts connects individuals to a community that pursues social justice, fights hunger and poverty, rescues and resettles people in danger, and strengthens Jewish life. Through a network of agencies, synagogues, organizations, professionals and volunteers, as well as its community building and fundraising efforts, the Federation offers life-long enriching Jewish experiences for people of all ages and creates a vibrant Jewish life in Western Massachusetts, Israel, and around the globe. To learn more about the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts visit https://jewishwesternmass.org/.