On December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck approximately 100 miles off the coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, triggering a wave of tsunamis which swept across the Indian Ocean from Thailand to Somalia. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India suffered the greatest loss of life and devastation, with Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Somalia, Maldives, Tanzania, and Bangladesh also affected.

Immediately following the disaster, the Federation established a local emergency aid fund. One hundred percent of monies collected for this fund were divided between the Joint Distribution Committee and American Jewish World Service, both of which were on the ground in the affected countries.

Within weeks, $500,000 was raised and distributed by our local Federation to provide temporary shelter, food and medical support; psychosocial support; and help for people reestablishing their lives and rebuilding homes.