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Contact:
H. Glenn Rosenkrantz, UJC Media Relations
212.284.6572 glenn.rosenkrantz@ujc.org

United Jewish Communities Solicits Funds for El Salvador Earthquake Relief

In response to the major earthquake that struck El Salvador last week, United Jewish Communities (UJC), through its overseas arm, has opened a mailbox to collect funds for victims and their families.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) will collect relief funds on behalf of UJC and the Jewish Federations of North America. The JDC will work with a coalition of Jewish organizations to meet the challenges of this crisis.

"While the Jewish community in San Salvador was spared any damage, many others were not as fortunate," said Stephen D. Solender, UJC President and Chief Executive Officer. "We cannot stand by silently while this tragedy unfolds in a neighboring country in Central America."

Tens of thousands of people have been left homeless throughout the country and the Health Ministry is concerned about the possible outbreak of disease. Combined with the devastating toll in human lives, the government estimates the earthquake caused up to $1 billion in damage in a $6 billion-a-year economy.

Donations should be sent to the JDC mailbox at: JDC, 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Checks should be payable to JDC-El Salvador Relief Effort. In addition, payments by credit card can be made on the JDC website:  www.jdc.org.

The UJC President also praised the Israeli government for its humanitarian efforts to meet the situation in El Salvador. The Israeli response includes a medical team to assist the victims of the earthquake as well as a shipment of medicines and medical supplies.

"I'm proud that the Israeli government has responded, even as it continues to deal with its own crisis at home," he said. 

United Jewish Communities (UJC) represents 156 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. Through the Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC), UJC and the Jewish Federations of North America, in cooperation with their overseas partners, The Jewish Agency (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), are providing human welfare, social and economic assistance and other types of support to Israelis, many of them victims of terror, as they endure a period of extreme challenge.