NEW YORK (JTA) — The San Francisco-based Jim Joseph Foundation gave a $1 million grant to UJA-Federation of New York to assist Hurricane Sandy victims.
The foundation, which announced the grant Thursday, is designating the funds for subsidies for Jewish schools and camps.
“With the magnitude of need so enormous, this grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation will bring families devastated by the storm some sense of normalcy, providing children the opportunity to continue their education in day schools and experience Jewish life at summer camps.” said John Ruskay, executive vice president and CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.
The Jim Joseph Foundation arranged for similar grants following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and during the 2008 recession.
“It is of course vital that philanthropic dollars respond to the immediate humanitarian needs of victims, but there is a critical need for this aid as well,” said Al Levitt, the foundation president. “Long after news coverage dissipates and much of the philanthropic funding ceases, families need assistance to return to a sense of normalcy. For Jewish families, this often means financial assistance to afford tuition to Jewish day schools and Jewish camp enrollment."
