Jewish organizations to deliver 20,000 pounds of food to Oklahoma

Published on May 23, 2013

In the wake of the disastrous tornado in Oklahoma, The National Council of Young Israel has joined with the Masbia organizations, as well as with Agri Star Meat & Poultry LLC to provide 20,000 pounds of foods for the relief effort.

Repair the World offering grants to encourage Sandy relief

Published on December 4, 2012

The Jewish service group Repair the World is offering micro-grants to encourage students to volunteer for Hurricane Sandy relief.

In Sandy’s aftermath, N.Y.’s UJA federation releasing $10 million in emergency aid

Published on November 5, 2012

UJA-Federation of Greater New York released $10 million in Hurricane Sandy emergency relief aid to its network agencies and synagogues.

Relief funds assisting Colorado fire victims

Published on July 2, 2012

As residents of Colorado Springs return to their homes following widespread wild fires, U.S. Jewish communities are raising money for relief funds.

Federations raise $1,349,000 in Japan relief

Published on April 11, 2011

Jewish federations throughout North America have raised $1,349,000 to help Japan recover from last month's massive earthquake and tsunami. The federations' Japan, Hawaii and Pacific Relief Fund, opened immediately following the earthquake and resultant tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, has collected the money to support relief and recovery efforts in the damaged areas.

Tunisia condemns Israeli assistance offer to its Jews

Published on March 29, 2011

Tunisia's government condemned an Israeli government decision to offer extra financial assistance to Tunisian Jews wishing to immigrate to Israel. The approval of the new program amounts to interference in Tunisia's domestic affairs and "an attempt by Israel to tarnish the post-revolutionary image of Tunisia," Tunisia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, the Associated Press reported. Under the plan approved at a Cabinet meeting Sunday, Tunisian immigrants will receive special financial assistance of more than $9,000 in addition to the usual aid provided to new immigrants.

Japan earthquake relief: How you can help

By JewishJournal.com
Published on March 11, 2011

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Japan, the organized Jewish world is lining up support for the rescue and relief effort in the region.

Clinton: Palestinian Relief Aimed at Statehood

Published on March 2, 2009

Just Injustice

By Rabbi Haim Ovadia
Published on September 11, 2008

Parshat Ki Teitze (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19) Wouldn't it be better to ban the practice of capturing women for marriage and to find a way to settle the differences of the rebellious son and his parents without using the electric chair?

Spielberg Gives $1 Million for Israel Relief

By Tom Tugend
Published on August 20, 2006

When the Righteous Persons Foundation, created and financed by Steven Spielberg, announced earlier this month that it was giving $1 million for relief efforts in Israel, including $250,000 to The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles crisis fund, the impact went beyond the donation itself.

Nation & World Briefs

Published on March 23, 2006

Israel confirmed its first contagion by a deadly strain of avian flu. The Agriculture Ministry officially announced Monday that a virus that killed turkeys and chickens at three Negev farms was H5N1, a virulent strain that has spread across Europe, Africa and parts of Asia over the past three years.

Staff Loyalties Stir Concern Over Work

By Michael J. Jordan
Published on March 16, 2006

There may be no greater test of the United Nations' vaunted neutrality than to be a Palestinian staffer of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip or West Bank.

Camps Spotlight Double Standard

By Michael J. Jordan
Published on March 16, 2006

Armed gunmen roamed freely in U.N. refugee camps. They stockpiled weapons, recruited refugees and launched cross-border attacks. In response, opposing forces attacked the camps, aiming for the gunmen -- but sometimes cutting down civilians in the process.

History of UNRWA and Its Refugees

By Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Published on March 16, 2006

The U.N. General Assembly established the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in 1949 as a temporary agency focused on relief work for the Palestinians. It began operating in 1950. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians became refugees in the war that began when the Palestinians and their Arab allies attacked the fledgling Jewish state the day after its formation in 1948.

This Time They’re Ready for the Wave

By Peter Ephross
Published on December 29, 2005

Some 50 South Indian villagers are spread out along the sandy beach. Women clad in brightly colored saris converse in groups, while men repair fishing nets. Teenage boys playfully tackle each other.

Then, the residents of Vellakoil get some news from fellow clansmen: Dangerous weather is on the way.

A year ago, when the tsunami hit, 19 died in this village of less than 500; 14 were children. And everyone's house and belongings were washed away.

This time, they are ready.

Women’s Lib Rises in Wake of Disaster

By Peter Ephross
Published on December 29, 2005

A Developing Reputation
Special Report - A Jewish Appeal to Remember and Rebuild
This Time They're Ready for the Wave

Out of the Shadows

By Rabbi Karen Deitsch
Published on December 15, 2005

Darkness is frightening. It is the realm of uncertainty, with everything enveloped in a state of unified oblivion. The world we call "real" -- based on substance, physical existence and visible actuality -- is nullified by the blackness of night.

A ‘Promise’ to Help Jews Overseas

By Rachel Pomerance
Published on December 1, 2005

The thought of Klara Kogan, who exists on a paltry government pension, haunts Steven Schwager, executive vice president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which provides relief and welfare to Jews abroad.

Class Notes - Hurricane Heroes

By Julie G Fax
Published on October 6, 2005

Sarah Rose Isenberg had a sure-fire marketing plan and a product no one could object to.

Fundraiser to Benefit Storm Victims

Published on September 15, 2005

Fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina

Nation & World Briefs

Published on September 1, 2005

The United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh (UJF) has established a mailbox to accept donations for humanitarian aid for members of the Jewish and general communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Western Florida.

Clearing the Air About Allergies

By Beth Levine
Published on August 18, 2005

Though no one knows why allergies are skyrocketing, we do know what causes them. Allergies are an immunological "overreaction" to a substance that enters the body through airborne particles such as pollen, skin contact, or ingested foods.

Enemy Ties

By Orit Arfa
Published on March 24, 2005

I thought about the implications: I take this tie, and my hands are tied. I'd forever have to remember that one night a Palestinian gave me an expensive tie, and that he was nice to me. I'd have to question all my stereotypes and generalizations, and recognize that there are good, normal, generous Palestinians who just want peace, who just want to be my friend, who just want some fun.

Teen Called ‘Amiga de Cuba’

By Journal Report
Published on July 1, 2004

Since traveling to Cuba several times with her mother, who organizes relief missions for Cuban Jews through her travel agency, Daniella Gruber has returned home changed by the experience.

The New SAT: Not So Scary

By Ian Simpson
Published on May 27, 2004

A small note appears at the bottom of the College Board's Web site (www.collegeboard.com) concerning the SAT II: Writing Test: "When the new SAT is introduced in March 2005, it will include a writing section with content similar to the SAT II: Writing Test. For this reason, the SAT II: Writing Test will no longer be offered after Jan. 22, 2005."

Whether you are a parent or a teenager, this statement should let you breathe a sigh of relief.

Adding Mitzvah Multiplies Simcha

By Donna Gordon Blankinship
Published on May 13, 2004

Sometimes the smallest details are the ones that make the biggest impression.

7 Days In Arts

Published on June 19, 2003

7 Days in Arts

No Laughing Matter

By Tom Teicholz
Published on April 3, 2003

Over the last year, I have read many wonderful novels: "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold, "Atonement" by Ian McEwan, "The Hours" by Michael Cunningham. Well-written, emotionally resonant, all best-sellers, these highly praised literary works are required reading in book groups in Los Angeles and across the nation. Yet as excellent as they were, as one critic said of "Schindler's List": "There weren't that many laughs."

By contrast, "Tepper Isn't Going Out" by Calvin Trillin delivers more pleasure, more belly laughs per page than any other work in recent memory.

Argentina

By Richard S. Gunther
Published on January 2, 2003

The Argentine government owes $135 billion to the IMF and the world bank, with little chance of ever repaying this staggering amount. In addition, over the past 45 years, 15 of the 19 agreements with the IMF have been broken, and thus, Argentina has zero credibility for further borrowings.

Federations Send Aid to Argentina

By Rachel Pomerance
Published on March 7, 2002

The United Jewish Communities has pledged more than $40 million this year for the rescue and relief of the Jews of Argentina.

Principled Stand

By Sharon Samber
Published on November 1, 2001

Israel's exclusion from the global Red Cross organization appears to have been the pivotal factor in the resignation of the head of the American Red Cross.

Earthquake Relief

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on February 1, 2001

The death toll from the Jan. 26 earthquake in India may surpass 100,000, with thousands more left injured and homeless. To contribute toward disaster relief, you can send a contribution to Indian Earthquake Relief c/o Jewish Federation Accounting Office, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Relief Is in Sight

By Gil Sedan
Published on September 2, 1999

A middle-aged man climbed up to the cabin of a crane and drew the operator's attention to a small suitcase on top of a pile of rubble left by last month's killer earthquake in Turkey.

Sneakers for Mirjeta

By Ari L. Goldman
Published on June 3, 1999

During my visit to a refugee camp in Macedonia with a group of 16 American Jews last week, a waif-like girl wearing a dusty black-and-red parka stood on her toes to peer into my notebook.