Jewish Federation Establishes Emergency Relief Fund for Victims of Myanmar Cyclone

LOS ANGELES, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the devastating cyclone that hit Myanmar this week, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles will begin accepting donations for a special Myanmar Emergency Relief Fund. The Federation is immediately advancing $10,000 to the relief fund to help respond to emergency requests.

"As a Jewish community, we feel it is our mandate to help those in need, particularly in such a time of terrible crisis," said Federation President John Fishel.

Although the extent of the needs is not yet clear, it has been reported that over 100,000 are dead, and up to one million are homeless and fighting off disease and illness. The Federation will distribute one hundred percent of the money collected in the emergency fund, and will work with agencies on the ground in the affected areas as the needs become clear.

To donate to the Myanmar Emergency Relief Fund call (323) 761-8200, or send a check to: The Jewish Federation, 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90048, made payable to The Jewish Federation with the words "Myanmar Relief Fund" in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at http://www.jewishla.org.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles -- L.A.'s largest Jewish nonprofit -- identifies and funds social service, educational and humanitarian needs locally, in Israel and around the world. Through a network of agencies and programs, the Federation helps alleviate Jewish poverty, provide emergency relief, ensure a Jewish future, and support the greater Los Angeles community. For more information, visit our website at http://www.jewishla.org.