Asian Disaster
The terrible tragedy unfolding in Asia in the wake
of the earthquake and tsunami has roused the conscience of the world. As Torah-believing
Jews we grieve at the deaths of so many victims, each and every one of whom
is a Tzelem Elokim, an Image of God. The death toll is still rising with over
140,000 people reported to have lost their lives in what is believed to have
been the world's most powerful earthquake in 40 years. Millions are homeless and will require long-term assistance to rebuild their lives. The earthquake created
a huge tidal wave that struck coastal areas of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand,
India and Burma. Deaths also were reported in Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh
and Somalia.
Contributions for South Asia Tsunami Relief can
be made via the following organizations:
American
Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
American
Jewish World Service
Magen David Adom Tsunami Relief
Chabad
of Thailand
Israel Tsunami Appeal
Operation Noah's Ark - Helping Tsunami Victims
Mazon - a Jewish Response to Hunger
Orthodox Union
The Mishna in Sanhedrin teaches that "Kol
haMekayem Nefesh Achat, Maaleh Alav haKatuv k'Ilu Kiyem Olam Male" - One
who saves a single life, Scripture considers him as if he had saved an entire
world. Edah urges all of our supporters to contribute generously to one of the
above relief funds.
A Message Board for information about Israelis
who may have been involved in the disaster can be found here
A prayer for Tsunami victims composed by Rabbi Shai Held can be found here
A prayer composed by Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks of the UK can be found here
