Peru

Earthquake Response (2007-present)

The earthquake that hit Peru in August 2007 severely affected towns, villages, and rural areas, killing over 500 people and injuring more than 1,500. JDC immediately sent a representative to work with the leadership of the Peruvian Jewish Community. An Emergency Committee was created on behalf of the Jewish community to make all decisions and take action aimed at assisting the earthquake victims; a bank current account was opened to receive monetary donations; and a call was made to community members to donate supplies, food and clothes, which were received over the next few days. Efforts were coordinated with other international Jewish organizations that also offered and provided assistance (mainly JDC, Bnei Brith International and The American Jewish Committee), as well as with Caritas-Peru (representing the Catholic Church) for the allocation of collected assistance. A time limit for emergency assistance was defined, in order to proceed to the second phase - to seek a reconstruction project.

The Community gathered almost 20 tons of material assistance, and a team of 8 Israeli physicians and nurses was sent to Peru. JDC raised over $120,000; a portion of the money was allocated to purchase items needed for assistance, among them medicines and medical products that were used by the Israeli team.

In addition, the Jewish community is embarking on a Reconstruction Project ñ the rebuilding a rural school primary school which was severely damaged by the earthquake. The project includes repair and reconstruction of all 12 classrooms, as well as construction of three new classrooms, one of which will be a computer room. Bathrooms are also be constructed, as well as a surrounding wall. In addition, a special yard will be made available as a multi-purpose room for both pupils and the local villagers. Youth from León Pinelo School and from the Hanoar Youth Movement are running activities for local village children; Jewish architects and engineers are training local bricklayers in anti-seismic construction using traditional material.