Standing up to Ebola
WITH the Ebola crisis escalating to frightening levels around the globe, Stand Up has launched an appeal, calling on the Jewish community in Australia to assist in combating the spread of the deadly virus.
“At Stand Up, we strongly believe that this is a rights issue – that even though it is happening far away, it doesn’t diminish its importance,” Stand Up CEO Gary Samowitz told The AJN this week.
Samowitz explained that funds generated will support hygiene programs in Liberia and Sierra Leone, two of the countries hardest hit by the virus, and in particular the funds will facilitate the provision of hygiene kits.
“Estimates are 10,000 new infections every week, and if not contained, this could really become a massive international disaster,” he said.
“At Stand Up we believe we have an obligation to help, and that’s why we’re launching this appeal.”
For the appeal, which launched today (Thursday), Stand Up has partnered with CARE Australia, an international humanitarian aid organisation that has teams on the ground in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“We’re delivering clean water, soap, gloves and chlorine and explaining to communities how they can prevent the spread of the virus: simple but highly effective weapons to combat the spread of this vicious virus,” CEO of CARE Australia Dr Julia Newton-Howes told The AJN.
This marks the ninth time Stand Up and CARE have worked together on a humanitarian aid campaign.
“We feel they’re an effective international non-profit organisation,” Samowitz said of CARE Australia. “They’re not religious, they’re not political, they don’t have a stance on Israel, and we believe the work that they’re doing on the ground is excellent.”
Newton-Howes similarly lauded the partnership. “Stand Up’s support to CARE and our work is a strong reflection on the longstanding commitment from the Australian Jewish community to helping many of the world’s most vulnerable people,” she said.
“This support will help many families in areas affected by this frightening crisis.”
More than 4500 people have died from the Ebola virus, with thousands more suspected cases across West Africa.
“We’re hoping the Australian Jewish community will be generous, because we feel that we as a community have a role to play – as does every community,” Samowitz said.
To donate, visit www.standup.org.au/ebola.
PHOEBE ROTH
Stand Up is calling on the Jewish community in Australia to assist in combating the spread of Ebola.
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