New York, February 28, 2000 ---
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is raising funds for emergency relief
in Southern Africa, following three weeks of severe flooding in Zimbabwe,
South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.
Crops have been swept away, leaving
these countries desperate for food for the remaining winter months. As
the water continues to rise thousands more are at risk of drowning. Food,
water and blankets are urgently needed.
This weekend the Limpopo River burst its banks and caused further flooding in the Chokwe district, north of Mozambique's capital Maputo. At least 350 people have died in this region, and more than 650,000 people have been left homeless. Over nine hundred children have been rescued, though the whereabouts of their parents is unknown. The children are currently being housed in makeshift camps.
American Jewish World Service has been ranked among the top three national organizations to provide international emergency relief. Ninety-five percent of all funds raised are applied directly to relief efforts.
American Jewish World Service is partnering with the Israeli Humanitarian Aid Organization (LATET) in support of their on the ground operations to assist the victims of the severe flooding in Mozambique. To date AJWS and LATET are supporting a 40 person medical team accompanied by more than 70 tons of emergency medical, food and clothing supplies. Two helicopters have been procured to transport medical teams and supplies to remote areas. AJWS is also currently identifying local non-governmental organizations working to assist the flood victims.
Contributions can be sent to:
American Jewish World Service/South African
Relief
989 Avenue of the Americas, 10th floor, NYC, NY 10018
Or though our website: www.ajws.org
Credit card donations can be accepted by phone: 800-889-7146 or 212-736-2597
or directly online.
American Jewish World Service is a non-profit, international development organization dedicated to providing humanitarian support, technical assistance and emergency relief to disadvantaged people - regardless of race, ethnicity or religion - in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine. Founded in l985, AJWS has supported projects in over 50 countries, representing Jews as global citizens committed to social justice. AJWS is a 50l (C) 3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law.