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December 15, 2021
Afghanistan

World Jewish Relief Relaunch Afghanistan Crisis Appeal

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World Jewish Relief Relaunch Afghanistan Crisis Appeal

World Jewish Relief has relaunched their Afghanistan Crisis Appeal to assist Afghans who have been unable to flee the Taliban and are now stuck in Afghanistan. Drought, conflict, the Covid pandemic and massive displacement mean the situation in the country has become increasingly desperate.

Reports indicate that more than 18.4 million people are facing extreme hunger and over 3 million children under five are likely to suffer from acute malnutrition without urgent intervention. 600,000 Afghans are internally displaced and living in makeshift tents where they will face sub-zero temperatures this winter.

Judaism teaches us not to stand idly in the face of injustice. As the UK Jewish community’s humanitarian agency, World Jewish Relief will lead our community’s response to this humanitarian crisis.

World Jewish Relief will be responding in Afghanistan with their trusted regional partner the International Blue Crescent (IBC). IBC is now operating on the ground in Kabul, Herat and Kunduz, targeting women, children and families who have been displaced. They are able to operate independently of the Taliban and have access to the communities who most need assistance.

Together with IBC, World Jewish Relief will provide families with emergency food packages and winter survival kits containing the items that people need to get through the cold winter ahead, stay warm and avoid starvation.

Thanks to the generosity of the Jewish community, who showed incredible support when World Jewish Relief first launched their appeal for Afghan refugees over the summer, the organisation will continue their existing projects in the UK and Turkey supporting those who have fled the Taliban. They are providing food, healthcare, and legal and psychological support to Afghans who have made it to Turkey, as well as English language classes and activities for women and children who have reached the UK and now reside in bridging hotels. However, our community’s attention must also turn to Afghanistan itself and to assisting civilians desperate to survive.

World Jewish Relief are proud to launch this appeal with the full support of the UK’s leading communal bodies.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said:

Since August, World Jewish Relief has provided invaluable, life-saving assistance to Afghans who have been affected by a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis. As they seek to expand their support, especially with the onset of winter, I encourage all who are able to generously support World Jewish Relief’s Afghanistan Crisis Appeal.

Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies, said:

I commend World Jewish Relief for rising to the challenge of providing vital support for Afghans who are stuck in a desperate humanitarian situation in their country. With millions facing catastrophe, this is the moment for British Jews – if they are able to – to give generously to this vital cause.

The appeal is supported by the Office of the Chief Rabbi, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council, JW3, the United Synagogue, Masorti Judaism, Liberal Judaism, Reform Judaism, S&P Sephardi Community, the Union of Jewish Students, the London Jewish Forum and the Zionist Youth Council.