WASHINGTON (JTA) — The American Jewish World Service and American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee are collecting money to aid relief efforts in Pakistan.
Flooding began about three weeks ago and has affected more than 170 million people, according to the Associated Press. It is the worst flooding Pakistan has seen since 1929.
The AJWS announced Thursday that the money they collect will go to their existing partners in the country to distribute aid packets containing food, water, pots and pans and other necessities. They already have begun distributing medicine, building temporary shelters and working with local authorities on large-scale efforts.
"As in any disaster, the poor are disproportionally affected," Ruth Messinger, president of AJWS, said in a statement. "With government unable to respond to many of their needs, it is crucial that organizations work through established networks to get resources into the right hands so the impact can be maximized. This has always been our approach to disaster response and remains so in Pakistan."
The JDC is also working to aid Pakistani victims, collecting funds to provide Pakistani flood victims with food, clothing, medicine and other necessities.
“By harnessing our vast experience in international disaster relief and tapping our network of partners on the ground to asses the most pressing needs, JDC will quickly respond to those affected by the floods in Pakistan,” JDC CEO Steven Schwager said in a statement. “Guided by the principle of tikkun olam (repairing the world), we’ll help ensure that the most vulnerable are reached.”
The organization is coordinating efforts with the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Interaction in Washington.
