New York -- August 30, 2005 -- United Jewish Communities (UJC) has established a humanitarian relief fund to aid members of the Jewish and general communities touched by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, the Western Florida panhandle and other affected areas.

The hurricane, characterized by authorities as one of the most powerful and punishing in U.S. history, slammed through Louisiana’s southeastern shore and the coasts of Alabama and Mississippi on Monday, and at least 55 deaths were reported by late in the day. Although the extent of damages is unknown, massive physical and infrastructure damage is expected throughout the region.

“The Jewish community has always been at the forefront of responding to human and natural disasters, and playing a major role in alleviating such devastation,” said Carol Smokler, chair of the UJC Emergency Committee. “Hurricane Katrina is taking a human, emotional and property toll of historic proportions. UJC and the Jewish federations of North America will, as always, respond rapidly to ease the challenges and suffering of our Jewish brethren and their neighbors."

UJC is working with Jewish federations and network communities in the affected regions and will assess damages and help coordinate relief efforts.

Eric Stillman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of New Orleans, joined thousands in the Jewish community there who evacuated to surrounding states and regions.  “I greatly appreciate knowing that Jews from across our country and in Israel have contacted me to offer help and words of compassion,” he said from Houston. “I am truly and sincerely touched on behalf of the Jewish community of greater New Orleans.”

UJC is also urging Jewish federations throughout North America to open independent mailboxes to receive assistance for the Jewish and general populations of the affected areas. UJC will serve as the conduit for distributing all funds collected by local federations in support of the humanitarian needs of all residents of the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Federations in the storm region have asked that donations not be sent to them directly as they are unprepared to handle these efforts.

Donations to the UJC Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund should be made out and sent to UJC, Inc. Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 30, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113.  Donations may also be made online at www.ujc.org.

United Jewish Communities (UJC) represents 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent communities across North America. Through the UJA Federation Campaign, 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.

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