March 1, 2023 — New York
American Jewish Committee is supporting Skala, an NGO in Indonesia, in its ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian relief to people in the Cianjur region of the country, where a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck in November. It was the deadliest earthquake to hit Indonesia since 2018.
“Consistent with our Jewish values to assist those in need, we are pleased to join with Skala in delivering much needed humanitarian relief during this continuing crisis,” said Shira Loewenberg, Director of AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute. “Recovery is a long-term process, and children especially are in need of attention to ensure their education, as well as trauma counselling, continues, to help normalize their lives as much as possible.”
The AJC grant will enable Skala to purchase and deliver tents to temporarily replace damaged school buildings, as well as blankets and educational materials, for children in Cianjur, the epicenter of the powerful earthquake.
In 2018, AJC supported IsraAID, the Israeli humanitarian relief organization, to provide emergency assistance to Indonesia after a devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami struck near the island of Sulawesi.
AJC has been engaged with Indonesia for more than two decades. In July, 2022, an AJC leadership mission visited Indonesia for a week of consultations and public programs to strengthen U.S.-Indonesia ties, promote interfaith cooperation and advance deeper understanding of Judaism and the Jewish people.
AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute (API) has long delivered aid during times of crisis through partnerships with governments and relief organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
