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 A Message on Haiti from Rabbi Cohon

Dear Friends,

The disastrous earthquake in Haiti has created an awful humanitarian crisis.  If you wish to assist, the best way to do so right now is by making a donation to American Jewish World Service, through their website AJWS.org/haitiearthquake.  Headed by the extraordinary Ruth Messinger (who has spoken at Temple Emanu-El on the subject of Darfur), they have a great track record of providing important services with very little overhead or waste.

I quote from their information on Haiti, released the day of the quake:

"With a per capita income of $3.60 per day, Haiti is the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere. Thus, its population is especially vulnerable to natural disasters, such as today's earthquake. Based on initial reports of widespread devastation and a high number of casualties, AJWS anticipates that the immediate and long-term needs will be profound and is coordinating with its in-country representatives to respond immediately.

"We are assessing where the gaps in service are and putting a process in place to help specific communities that might not be immediately served otherwise," said AJWS's vice president for programs, Aaron Dorfman. "Because of the economic and political situation in Haiti, disasters like this have devastating consequences throughout the country. Our long-standing partnerships with grassroots organizations in Haiti allow us to reach the poorest and most remote populations with the speed necessary to save lives."

Founded in 1985, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) earned its eighth four-star rating from Charity Navigator in 2009 as well as an "A" rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.

If you can help, I urge you to do so, in fulfilling the mitzvah of p’ku’ach nefesh, saving lives.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon