1,000,000 Thanks

In the wake of the recent earthquake in Haiti, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) quickly created a relief fund, and urged all congregations to pass on the news to their congregants (they also promised that 100% of all funds would go directly to aid; none will be used for overhead). The outpouring of support from our movement has been extraordinary, and this morning we received an e-mail announcing that the donations to the fund have passed $1,000,000!

I am proud to let you know that today we surpassed $1,000,000 in contributions to the Union for Reform Judaism’s Haiti Relief Fund! Kudos to all the clergy and congregations that have helped spread the word and made this relief effort a priority. Special praise is due our colleague Marla Feldman for her herculean efforts to coordinate the effort and assure that every dollar is well spent to help those most in need.

A few highlights:

• Nearly 9000 individual donors have contributed thus far; -60% of the total raised to date came from on-line gifts;
• To date, $140,000 has been allocated and another $350,000 worth of proposals is ‘in the pipeline’. (All allocations information is and will be available at www.urj.org/haiti.)
• We have received numerous gifts from religious school students, congregations and NFTY youth - including those who raised funds from fellow passengers on their flight to a conclave!

It is at times like this that our Reform Movement lives the values we teach and preach. Thanks to all of you who helped make this wonderful effort possible.

L'Shalom,
Elliott
Rabbi Elliott A. Kleinman
Chief Program Officer
Union for Reform Judaism
633 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-650-4220
Fax 212-650-4229

The need in Haiti has not subsided - so neither has the need for donations. Please, whether you've already made a donation, make a donation today.