Joint mobilises after Ecuador quake
THE Joint Australia has swung into action after the devastating earthquake in Ecuador that has killed at least 650 people and injured more than 16,000.
THE Joint Australia has swung into action after the devastating earthquake in Ecuador that has killed at least 650 people and injured more than 16,000.
The Australian organisation has thrown its resources behind the global Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which has begun coordinating relief efforts with both the Jewish community of Ecuador and long-standing partner Heart to Heart International.
The April 16 earthquake – which was followed by an aftershock on April 20 – devastated coastal areas nearest the epicentre – 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 with their neighbours in earthquake relief activities.
Joint Australia director Caryn Farber has urged Australians to be inspired by their massive response to last year’s Nepal earthquake.
“We were overwhelmed by the Jewish Australian response to the Nepal earthquake and we have every reason to believe that the community will offer Ecuador the same support,” said Farber.
JDC CEO Alan Gill stated that in addition to its response in Ecuador, a $25,000 grant for emergency supplies including food and non-food items was made to The Joint’s longstanding partner, Japanese humanitarian agency JEN, to aid people impacted by the recent earthquakes in the Kumamoto province.
The Joint, with a long history of working in Japan, provided emergency relief and long-term recovery aid following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
“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,” Gill said prior to Pesach.
“May all those impacted by these crises experience the same solace and strength that can be found in family and community,” he added.
AJN STAFF
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