Shaken by the Earthquake in Haiti

Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service, is part of Change.org's Changemakers network, comprised of leading voices for social change.

I am both deeply saddened and shaken by the powerful earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday afternoon. Haiti is the most marginalized country in the Western Hemisphere, plagued with crushing levels of poverty and disease, which makes this natural disaster all the more devastating. Haiti is also a country that is very dear to my heart; it’s a country in which I’ve spent a great deal of time. I was last in Haiti in September 2009. As always, I was moved by the richness of its unique culture, the warmth and relational energy of the local Haitian community and the unyielding efforts to work for social justice in a country that has known so much instability.

For over a decade, American Jewish World Service has been supporting grassroots organizations in Haiti working to promote sustainable development, human rights, women’s empowerment and reproductive health. In response to the current crisis, our immediate priority is to assess the needs of our grantees and provide emergency funding to reach the poorest and most remote populations that have been adversely affected.

AJWS has set up a "Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund" and I am touched by the outpouring of support we have received in less than 24 hours. Our phones have not stopped ringing.

Based on initial reports of widespread devastation and a high number of casualties, AJWS anticipates that the immediate and long-term needs in Haiti will be profound. We are coordinating with our field staff and project partners in Haiti about how to respond most effectively.

Donations to our Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund can be made at www.ajws.org/haitiearthquake

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the earthquake’s victims.

Photo credit: EARTHQUAKE HAITI