Emergency Response

Our enduring commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving-kindness) implores us to swiftly meet the needs of those in crisis, wherever they may be. Learn how together, we are transforming – and saving – lives around the world.

woman holding frame damaged in Hurricane Harvey

When Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston Jewish community, Federations across North America sprang into action. See the extent of the destruction and the beginning of rebuilding in this inspiring video.

man and woman assessing Hurricane Harvey damage

$500,000+

is addressing the needs of natural disaster victims, including those recovering in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

 

Hurricane Harvey — one of the most devastating hurricanes on record in U.S. history — delivered its worst blows to Houston’s Jewish community. Nearly three-quarters of the city’s Jewish population live in areas that received extensive flooding, and nearly every Jewish-owned business and institution has felt the impact in some way. For many, this is the third time in as many years that they have had to rebuild after a hurricane.

Federation immediately set up the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to help meet urgent needs such as food, medicine, cleaning supplies, and trauma counseling, and to enable rebuilding. Our network of local and international partners means we can respond quickly and effectively to this emergency — but the work is not done. Experts say that full recovery could take many years.

volunteers carrying boxes of supplies
woman laying on cot in shelter

large crowd sleeping in the streets

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families with homes rendered unlivable by wildfires in Israel received financial support to get back on their feet.

French memorial after Charlie Hebdo shooting

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Jewish schools in France will join an Emergency Alert Information network, linking them to France’s central Jewish security agency.