Join Impact Cubed and Leichtag Foundation in aiding those impacted by
the Morocco Earthquake

Heart-wrenching images and tales of despair emerge in the wake of the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the North African country of Morocco late Friday. As of this writing, nearly 3,000 people have been killed and thousands more injured. Damage is still being assessed and figures are likely to rise. The earthquake- the strongest to hit the region in 123 years- took lives and damaged buildings across five provinces.

The epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, close to the city of Marrakech, once the home of a thriving Jewish population in an area where 840,000 people live. Roads are blocked with debris and the mountainous terrain is hindering rescuers. Some private properties in the Jewish quarter of Marrakech have been damaged, as well as at least two ancient synagogues; the full extent of the losses there and in the most heavily affected region is not yet known.

Humanitarian organizations are assessing emerging needs and mobilizing to provide relief services – likely to include evacuation, food, clean water, medicine, temporary shelter, and medical support. As needs evolve, organizations will transition to focus on recovery, rebuilding, and economic relief efforts.

Join Impact Cubed, Leichtag Foundation, and our growing network of funders in supporting the vetted funds below, which all have strong, disaster-response track records:

  • Jewish Federation of San Diego has created the Morocco Relief Fund to support the victims of this tragic natural disaster by providing vital aid. Funds will be given to the Jewish community in Morocco, as well as The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and global, Jewish relief organization American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), longtime Federation partners. Aid will be provided on a nonsectarian basis and 100% of donations will go to those in need.
  • IsraAID, an Israel-based, non-governmental organization that responds to emergencies worldwide. IsraAID is distributing urgently needed supplies, addressing water issues, and providing psychosocial support for the Moroccan people.
  • United Hatzalah, a completely volunteer organization that provides the fastest emergency medical service throughout Israel and the world. Their first responders arrived within 24 hours and are working hand-in-hand with local agencies in the hardest-hit areas.
  • Doctors Without Borders, known for its projects in conflict zones and in countries affected by endemic diseases and other medical crises around the globe.
  • Global Giving  is working with Moroccan-based and led groups to meet survivors’ needs.

All aid is being provided on a completely nonsectarian basis to those most in need.

With a rich, ancient history dating back to Roman times, Morocco’s Jewish community was once home to 350,000 residents. While only a couple thousand Jews remain, they preserve a vibrant community including many elders with over 100 synagogues and a Jewish Museum. Morocco and Israel now have diplomatic relations with deep partnerships and ties to many civil society groups. More than one million Israelis are of Moroccan origin.

Jewish tradition teaches that to save one life is to save an entire world. During times of sudden emergency and disaster, please join us in stepping forward to help those in crisis who have lost everything.

Please let us know if you donate to any of these organizations. Thank you for helping to repair their communities.