B’nai B’rith President Seth J. Riklin and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International has opened a Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund to aid those impacted by a series of earthquakes that devastated Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture on New Year’s Day.

On Jan. 1, Japan experienced a devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake, resulting in numerous aftershocks, trapping civilians under collapsed buildings and killing 62 people. The quake caused extensive damage in western Japan, demolishing buildings, leaving tens of thousands without power and forcing mandatory evacuations. There is a 10 to 20 percent likelihood that another earthquake of similar intensity will occur within the next week.

Following the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, B’nai B’rith mobilized funds for Japan by offering support to survivors in displacement camps and providing resources to create child-friendly spaces.

Our longstanding tradition of helping communities in distress began in 1865 in pre-state Israel when B’nai B’rith raised funds to aid victims of a cholera outbreak. Since then, B’nai B’rith has helped countless people across the globe who have faced adversity after natural and man-made disasters. Recent donations to our Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund have been used to help Tennessee tornado victims.

To assist victims of the earthquake in Japan, donate to our Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund here.

Donors can also call 800-573-9057 to make a credit card contribution over the phone. Or, you can send a check payable to the B’nai B’rith Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund to:

B’nai B’rith International Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund

1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N

Washington, D.C. 20036