Reform Jews Urged to Donate to UAHC Israel Relief Fund

(NEW YORK, April 4, 2002)- The Reform Jewish Movement today announced the creation of the UAHC Israel Relief Fund for donations to assist Israelis during the current crisis. "The continuing violence in Israel touches all of us, and we feel an urgent need to find ways to respond, to reach out to our Israeli family, and to help in this time of need," said Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He urged members of the more than 900 Reform congregations in North America to donate to the UAHC Disaster Relief Fund. The decision to create the fund came after several days of consultation with leaders of Israel's social service, medical, and relief agencies, as well as leaders of the Israeli Reform Movement. "We heard about the critical need to help the families of those personally affected by the violence as well as the wider circle of Israelis whose lives have been disrupted," Yoffie said, noting the proceeds of the UAHC Israel Relief Fund will be used for the following purposes: Relief for the victims and their families. The UAHC has identified a number of Israeli organizations that are providing assistance to families directly affected by suicide bombers and other terrorist attackers, and will channel contributions to them. Emergency medical equipment and supplies. The ongoing violence has placed an enormous burden on Israel's medical system, and the UAHC aims to help Magen David Adom and other emergency response agencies purchase some of the sophisticated equipment, supplies, and additional ambulances they need. Support for children and the elderly. Children and senior citizens are particularly vulnerable during times of crisis, and the UAHC hopes to help provide those who need it with psychological counseling, assistance in getting food, and other social services. Donations to the UAHC Israel Relief Fund may be made online or sent to: UAHC Israel Relief Fund 633 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 The UAHC maintains a mechanism for donations to a fund that is activated in times of crisis, either natural or manmade. More than $1.6 million in donations were given to the UAHC Disaster Relief Fund in the wake of September 11. Reports on how those funds were distributed can be found at http://uahc.org/sept11