Fourteen-year-old Jake Mazza of Newton, Massachusetts, raised more than $80,000 to help the victims of the recent tsunami that battered the shorelines of ten countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and India, killing 220,000 people. After hearing about the tragedy, Jake began a fund-raising campaign, asking his father's business associates for contributions. Jake learned the importance of tzedakah while studying at the Prozdor program of Hebrew College in Newton: "Every week, our teachers tell us to bring tzedakah," he says. "Whatever spare change I have, I give. It's helped me realize that a little money quickly adds up."

IMMEDIATE JEWISH RESPONSE

Jake is one of many Jews around the world who take to heart Hillel's famous words: "If I am only for myself, what am I?" In the first three weeks after the tsunami, more than $13 million was raised by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), leading organizations in the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief.

Israel sprang to action also. A medical team from Hadassah Hospital traveled to Sri Lanka immediately; the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sent 80 tons of material, including 10,000 blankets, tents, and nylon sheeting; Latet, a humanitarian organization whose name in Hebrew means "To Give," filled a jumbo jet with 18 tons of supplies.

FOR THE LONG HAUL

Most of the attention given to the tsunami tragedy has focused on immediate relief. But as former President Bill Clinton noted, "We must not forget that the need for assistance will continue long after the story has faded from the front pages."

Providing long term help to the devastated countries will be crucial because they have suffered from poverty for generations, and the problems they faced before the calamity will inevitably grow. Jews, like other well meaning people, feel a sense of urgency to help victims when disaster strikes, but our commitment to the well-being and human dignity of all people demand that we work to ease human suffering beyond moments of crisis. This principle guides the relief efforts of AJWS. "We're in South Asia for the long haul," says Ruth Messinger, AJWS president. "We were there before the tsunami and we'll be there long after."

Within the first 36 hours after the tsunami, AJWS began supplying food, blankets, temporary shelters, and bedding. But once immediate needs are met, AJWS will provide rehabilitation and reconstruction for years to come. For example, although AJWS is restoring economic stability by replacing fishing boats destroyed by the floods, the organization is also planning job training programs for fishermen who lost their livelihoods. In this way, AJWS fulfills the Torah command, "Strengthen him so that he does not fall and become dependent on others" (Vayikra 25:35).

GET INVOLVED

Millions of victims still need assistance. For starters, add the victims to your prayers. Saying special prayers for those who were killed, injured, and grieving is a way to show that we are united and that we care for others. Log on to babaganewz.com to download a special prayer for tsunami victims.

Also, it's important to give money and other resources. BABAGANEWZ is working with AJWS to link BABAGANEWZ schools with community organizations in South Asia that receive AJWS assistance to rebuild lives and neighborhoods. Log on to babaganewz.com to learn how your school or class can participate.