JFNA Launches Oklahoma City Tornado Relief Fund

 May 21, 2013

The Jewish Federations of North America is opening a mailbox to gather aid from across the Jewish Federation community for the victims of the devastating tornado that tore through the Oklahoma City area last night, killing and injuring many people and leaving a wide path of destruction. JFNA has opened a mailbox to support relief efforts of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, and is coordinating relief efforts with the Federation. One hundred percent of funds donated will go to the local Federation and its relief efforts on the ground. Speaking on behalf of the Jewish Federations community, JFNA extends its deepest sympathy and support to the people of the Oklahoma City area in the wake of the massive tornado that killed at least two dozen people, injured scores of others and devastated entire neighborhoods. The suburb of Moore bore the brunt of the killer storm. The twister flattened an elementary school, killing seven children. More than 100 people have been pulled from the rubble of residences and commercial buildings, according to news reports. “Our hearts go out to all those who were in the path of this disaster and who are grieving the loss of their loved ones,” said Michael Siegal, chair of the JFNA Board of Trustees. “This was a terrible tragedy. The destruction of an elementary school filled with students and teachers was especially painful.” JFNA remains in close contact with Edie Roodman, the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma, to determine the needs on the ground and next steps. Roodman this morning said the Federation is opening its own fund, The Oklahoma Disaster Relief Fund Through the Oklahoma Jewish Community, to coordinate local efforts. The JFNA national fund will send all donations to this local fund. The local Federation is coordinating efforts on the ground with longtime partners, including a local food bank, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross, Roodman said. JFNA will continue to keep the system updated about this ongoing relief effort. 

To mail your donation, please address it to the

 JFNA Oklahoma City Tornado Relief Fund,

care of: The Jewish Federations of North America Wall Street Station

PO Box 157

 New York, NY 10268