A Message from
Doug Seserman, President and CEO

Dear Friends,

The news from Haiti is heart-wrenching.  The images of the destruction and the despair are beyond tragic—they are simply incomprehensible. 

As human beings—and as Jews—it is our natural inclination to want to help.  Within hours of the earthquake, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Federation's overseas partner, was on-the-ground, leveraging their existing relationships with local authorities and first responders to assess the situation and provide vital assistance where it was needed most. 

JDC is the official humanitarian assistance organization acting on behalf of the Jewish community and The Jewish Federations of North America. In this capacity, JDC has moved swiftly to coordinate relief efforts with its network of Israeli, American, and other local partners on the ground.

JDC is currently supporting Heart to Heart International to provide immediate medical aid, equipment, and services to victims of the earthquake. JDC is also working with the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces and has purchased critical medical equipment for its field hospital, including infant incubators for its neonatal unit and orthopedic devices. Further partnerships are being explored for the next phase of JDC's support for Haiti's victims.

JDC brings unparalleled experience to this effort through its International Development Program (IDP), which has provided immediate relief and long-term development assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters in more than 60 countries.

You should also know that Israel has joined the international aid effort to Haiti, dispatching a large medical and rescue team which will set up a field hospital. The team, which left Israel overnight, is due to arrive in Haiti today (Friday) and the field hospital should be set up and begin treating patients tomorrow (Saturday).  

The Israeli medical and rescue team, led by the IDF Homefront Command, is comprised of 220 people, of which 120 are medical professionals including 40 doctors. The field hospital will have a surgery room and will be able to treat up to 500 people daily, including 50 emergency care patients. In recent years, Israel has sent medical and rescue teams following natural disasters to counties including Turkey, Kenya, and India.

If you would like to help the People of Haiti in the aftermath of this tragedy, the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado has established a Haiti Emergency Relief Fund.  100% of the dollars raised will be sent directly to the JDC, where they will be put to immediate use meeting the needs of the earthquake victims and their families.  In just 48 hours, this fund has already received nearly 100 gifts totaling close to $20,000.

To make your tax-deductible donation, click here or send your check with the notation
"Haiti Emergency Relief Fund" to:

Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado
300 S Dahlia, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80246

Our thoughts are prayers are with the People of Haiti and their friends and family around the world at this difficult time.  Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. 

All my best,


Doug Seserman
President and CEO