American Jewish Committee Launches Turkish Relief Fund, Announces $150,000 In Grants To Earthquake Relief Efforts

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 24 August 1999

The American Jewish Committee has launched a fund to receive donations for earthquake relief in Turkey. Contributions to the AJC fund should be sent to: AJC Turkish Relief Fund, 165 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022.

The AJC also announced grants of $50,000 to the American Red Cross and $50,000 to the Turkish government to provide assistance to victims of last week's devastating earthquake in Turkey. In addition, the AJC is sending $25,000 to the Jewish community in Turkey, which has established a fundraising effort for general earthquake relief.

On Monday, the AJC Berlin Office presented $25,000 to a Turkish group in Germany, the Turkish Union in Berlin-Brandenberg, which will be using the funds for humanitarian assistance in Turkey.

These humanitarian relief grants, totaling $150,000, came from the initial $250,000 the American Jewish Committee announced last week it would donate to aid earthquake victims.

"Such moments challenge us to show the depth of our concern for our fellow human beings, whatever their race, religion or ethnicity," said AJC President Bruce M. Ramer. "They also permit us to demonstrate the true meaning of friendship. Turkey, a cherished friend of the United States, Israel, the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish people, is in desperate need."

Earlier this year the American Jewish Committee launched a major relief effort for refugees from Kosovo. More than $1 million has been allocated to several international humanitarian agencies working with Kosovar Muslims in Kosovo and neighboring countries

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org