Disaster Relief has been a part of the B'nai B'rith International (BBI) agenda since soon after its founding. Victims of a Baltimore flood in the mid-1800s were the first recipients of B’nai B’rith disaster relief funds, and the first international assistance project provided funds to Moses Montefiore in 1865 to assist victims of a cholera epidemic in what was then Palestine. As disasters — natural and manmade — struck in the United States and around the globe, B'nai B'rith raised funds and distributed them to those affected by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Galveston, Texas, flood of 1900, and the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906.

Today, B’nai B’rith continues to launch aid efforts worldwide.

It is estimated that the Feb. 27 earthquake in Chile, the world’s fifth worst at an 8.8 magnitude, damaged or destroyed more than 500,000 homes and countless other structures. B’nai B’rith funds were used to help victims of the disaster, including rebuilding of a Drug Rehabilitation Center in Melipilla.

Just six weeks earlier, BBI, along with partner IsraAID, responded to the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated much of Haiti. Within days, a relief team was dispatched, followed soon after by subsequent medical assistance and logistical support teams. Along with Brother’s Brother Foundation —a longtime partner who in the past has helped distribute medical supplies to areas in need—BBI is working to distribute much-needed shoes to Haitians and deliver food and emergency relief materials as part of the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief. Long-term efforts are being made to rebuild the country that was virtually decimated. All of this was made possible by the nearly $250,000 raised by B’nai B’rith’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Israeli victims, evacuees, and soldiers fighting the Hezbollah bombings of 2006 received items from air conditioners and computers, to indoor gym equipment and books, to make the frightening times more bearable. B’nai B’rith’s Israel Emergency Fund continues to provide assistance to Israeli residents and soldiers affected by the continuing crisis with Hamas.

The Gulf Coast of the United States was devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita during the Atlantic hurricane season of 2005. Through its B’nai B’rith Gulf Coast Hurricane Relief Fund, B’nai B’rith raised more than $1.1 million to assist the victims of these deadly storms. Funding continues to provide emergency supplies, food, and medicine as well as local support for projects that help families affected by these disasters, including a Habitat for Humanity house.

The December 2004 tsunami in Asia nearly eight months earlier caused indescribable loss and destruction. The B'nai B'rith Disaster Relief Fund contributed nearly $1 million to help meet immediate needs and address long-term rebuilding of lives and livelihoods.

From the Great Chicago Fire two centuries ago to the most recent devastation in Chile, the B'nai B'rith Disaster Relief Fund helps when catastrophe strikes and remains to rebuild to the end.

Please support this vital work!