The world seems to shrink after a disaster strikes, when nations and non-governmental organizations mobilize to help victims of man-made and natural catastrophes.

After the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March, B’nai B’rith opened its disaster relief fund and teamed up with IsraAID: The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid to assess immediate and long-term needs. B’nai B’rith is a founding member and active supporter of IsraAID.

Eight months later, parts of Japan are still struggling. But IsraAID, and B’nai B’rith donations, continue to help.

B’nai B’rith International hosts IsraAID founder and Executive Director Shachar Zahavi to discuss the positive impact IsraAID has made for the victims and families in Japan. Raiko Watanabe, director of the Watari-cho Choujido Center in Japan will also speak at the Nov. 16 event at UJA Federation of N.Y., 130 East 59th Street , 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

In advance of the event, Watanabe said: “A lot of relief and equipment came from all around the world and people also sent beautiful letters of hope and support, but IsraAID is the only organization that supported our heart.”

B’nai B’rith has been engaged in international disaster relief since 1865. Since that time, the B’nai B’rith International Disaster Relief Fund has provided aid to populations affected by natural and man-made catastrophes around the world, including in Japan, to aid victims of the devastating flooding in the U.S. South and Midwest earlier this year, as well as the Haitian and Chilean earthquakes of 2010.

This event is in conjunction with the American Zionist Movement.