Like so many of us, I have been deeply affected by the earthquake in Haiti and the suffering that it caused. I am also both moved by the extreme generosity of so many, and concerned about the militarization of the country. Right now what’s needed most, as far as I can tell, are medical personnel, medical supplies, food, and personal hygeine items. I have been taking my cues from people on the ground, especially NGO’s who were doing good work before the earthquake. Here are some organizations which have moved and impressed me with their diligence, professionalism, and soul (ie, they clearly have Haitians’ best interest in mind):

Partners In Health www.pih.org
American Jewish World Service www.ajws.org
Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia www.hpphilly.org
Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute http://www.cccadi.org/node
There are many more! I’m running out of time.
Here’s a list posted by Jewschool with org’s: http://ow.ly/WzI0

Also, if you’re in the Philadelphia area, please check out my “Shows” page – my spouse and the Assistant Rabbi at Kenneseth Israel, along with Cantor Amy Levy and I, are spearheading a fundraising concert coming up soon. Know any local Haitian musicians? Get in touch! We’re just about the finalize the lineup!

One last thing (but certainly not least): As Bob Marley said, “If you don’t know the past, you don’t know the future.” I have found it vastly helpful to get some background on Haiti, a tremendously inspiring country of successful slave rebellion & subsequent indepence – a country of resilience. The headlines are trying to tell you about the violence & looting…try to look for articles about the beauty and the song. Here’s one to start you off: http://ww4report.com/node/8204

Peace, love, and justice to you – today and all days!
Chana