Countries in the Horn of Africa including, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti are experiencing the worst drought in 60 years. As a result, millions of people are in desperate need of food and water. Livestock and crops are deteriorating due to the lack of access to water and malnutrition is on the rise. A famine has been declared in two regions of Somalia, causing roughly 600,000 Somalis to flee to neighboring countries.
The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR), of which the Rabbinical Assembly is a founding member, is an alliance of U.S. and foreign Jewish agencies that provide a united Jewish response to humanitarian disasters. The JCDR has formed a special coordinating group in response to the drought and ensuing famine in East Africa. Donate to the JCDR East Africa Relief Fund.
In addition, you can sign on to AJWS’ campaign to overturn the House of Representatives’ 2012 budget proposal to cut foreign food aid by 43%.
- A Prayer in a Time of Famine from AJWS, written specifically for this cause
- A Sourcesheet based on the prayer
- FWD (Famine, War, and Drought), a USAID initiative, including interactive maps and action steps