Japan

At the time of the disaster WJR immediately launched an appeal and has since raised a remarkable £185,000. We could not have achieved this without your overwhelmingly generous support, the incredible assistance of shuls and schools and the backing of 14 Jewish agencies and communal bodies.

This amazing display of community mobilisation allowed us to provide critical short term assistance to thousands of beneficiaries including:

• The establishment of three Child Friendly Spaces for 1,000 young people. These safe places offer children an environment to learn, play and regain a sense of normality while their parents try to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

• The distribution of much needed food and essential items including folding beds, blankets, towels, nappies and essential food items.

• The purchase of food and water items for families in the area around the Sendai airport

One of the beneficiaries of this assistance is Mariko, pictured above, whose house was completely destroyed by the tsunami. Mariko, a wheelchair user, feared for his life as he was alone when the earthquake hit and his home quickly started to fill with water. He was miraculously saved by his wife who returned home early from work and both were able to flee to safety. Mariko and Ami are currently living in a school gymnasium but through WJR he received a folding bed allowing him to sleep in comfort.

“Something as simple as a folding bed has meant the world to me. It is wonderful to know that there are people looking out for me throughout this nightmare. Thank you.”

Thank you again for all your assistance in helping make this project and our other initiatives in Japan, possible. This work is part of our commitment to the Jewish ideal of ‘Tikkun Olam’ – Healing the World – and the recognition of the significant impact UK Jewry can have in responding to humanitarian needs around the world such as we are currently undertaking in East Africa.