The Jewish Federations of North America is partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to provide aid and relief to victims of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday.

Federations are urged to direct donors to the JDC mailbox or to open their own mailboxes and relay aid to JDC. By opening their own mailboxes, Federations can further engage potential donors.

The earthquake struck about 200 miles (325 kilometers) south of the capital city of Santiago, killing at least 700 people and displacing or injuring some two million others. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet opened the door to international aid yesterday, stating that the country faces "a catastrophe of such unthinkable magnitude that it will require a giant effort to recover." 

Chile is home to a vibrant and active Jewish community of approximately 16,000, of whom 90 percent are concentrated in Santiago. Based on information we have received from our partner, JDC, as well as from ORT-Chile and the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, Jewish communal institutions have been spared from major earthquake damage due to Santiago's distance from the earthquake epicenter. However, there are reports of damage to two synagogues close to the epicenter and we are awaiting further details. We are tracking the situation through our relationship with organizations on the ground, particularly JDC, which is working with the umbrella body of Chilean Jewry, La Comunidad Judía de Chile.

The Jewish Federations of North America has previously partnered with JDC in responding to international natural disasters such as the Southeast Asian tsunami and the recent earthquake in Haiti. (Click here for information on Haiti relief efforts.)

"We mourn the loss of those who were killed and pray for the survivors,” said Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America. “The Jewish Federations and our partners can work together in a collective response to ensure we most effectively respond to this tragedy.”

Silverman added that The Jewish Federations is working with The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief as the Federation movement has in the wake of other international disaster relief efforts. “By working with our fellow coalition members, we ensure a coordinated effort engaging many Jewish organizations and maximizing our resources," he said.

The Jewish Federations of North America represents a continental Federation movement whose collective power makes an extraordinary impact on our global community and beyond.

Click here for more information about Chile relief efforts.