United Jewish Communities (UJC) and the Jewish Federations of North America have to date collected more than $3.8 million for the UJC Emergency Relief Fund, established following the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States.

The total to date includes direct donations to the fund and dollars collected by Federations across the continent.

"This enables UJC and the Federations to respond rapidly, just as we have done for earthquakes, hurricanes, catastrophic floods, and the Oklahoma City bombing," said UJC Disaster Relief Fund Committee Chair Carol S. Smokler of Ann Arbor and South Palm Beach, who noted that an open mailbox is the organization's traditional method for responding to domestic disasters.  "It gives people a Jewish address to which they can make their donations, while being a caring part of the larger American community."

Smokler added that all proceeds of the fund will directly assist individuals and families – Jews and non-Jews alike -- as well as other relief organizations.

"We are keenly aware of the special needs of the elderly, Holocaust survivors and new Americans," Smokler said, "and we will be assisting local agencies that work with these populations."

Among those being helped are an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor who lost his only son in the World Trade Center attack, and a woman who gave birth to twins after the tragedy that took her husband's life.

 "During this period of unprecedented need, the Jewish community has immersed itself in the relief effort," said Barry Swartz, vice president of UJC Consulting.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the UJC fund will provide cash assistance to individuals and families, loans and grants through local agencies and mental health services, and assistance for funeral costs, temporary housing and relocation, long-term rehabilitation, day care and more, he said.

Swartz said the important role of UJC and the Jewish Federations is underscored by UJC being the only Jewish organization that is part of the American Liberty Partnership, an Internet portal endorsed by President Bush providing a place to support numerous rescue and relief organizations.

An important role in meeting these human needs is played by the UJC Emergency Services Committee, formed 14 years ago to deal with disaster relief in collaboration with Jewish and non-Jewish communities. The committee, including representatives of Federations, Jewish Family Services and Jewish Vocational Services, is working to ensure the best utilization of funds to communities in New York, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The committee is also collaborating with the UJA-Federation of New York – the community hardest hit by the World Trade Center tragedy – to develop a joint and coordinated plan of action for funding projects to help those affected by the crisis.

Support services provided through the New York Federation include crisis counseling for families of victims, shelter for seniors unable to return to their homes in lower Manhattan, assistance for those who lost jobs due to the crisis, and help for parents in addressing children's concerns and questions.

In New Jersey, home to more than 1,000 individuals who were lost, Middlesex County Jewish Vocational Services is assisting 150 families; Monmouth County Jewish Family Services is helping some 35 families; and The United Jewish Federation of MetroWest is working with 12 families directly impacted. 

Jewish Federations, their partner organizations and synagogues have also organized more than 200 Jewish and interfaith prayer services and vigils; blood drives have been sponsored by more than 25 communities; and tons of goods have been donated.
 
"Our immediate and compassionate response to this national tragedy demonstrates the vital importance of UJC and the Federations it represents," said UJC Chief Executive Officer Stephen H. Hoffman. "We will continue to do everything possible to reach out to those in need even as we carry on our sacred work of caring for the well-being of Jews the world over."

How to make a donation:
By check payable to UJC Emergency Relief Fund and sent to UJC Emergency Relief Fund, 111 8th Avenue, Suite 11E, New York, NY 10011. For credit card donations call 1-866-852-4636. Or visit the Internet site of the American Liberty Partnership at www.libertyunites.org.

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United Jewish Communities (UJC) represents 189 Jewish Federations and 400 independent communities across North America.  Last year, 700,000 people contributed more than $826 million to the UJA Federation Annual Campaign and another $1.2 billion to endowment funds, capital campaigns, foundations and other special projects.  UJC provides life-saving and life-enhancing humanitarian assistance to those in need, and translates Jewish values into social action on behalf of millions of Jews in hundreds of communities in North America, in towns and villages throughout Israel, in the former Soviet Union, and 60 countries around the world.