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Ways to support those affected by the earthquake and tragedy in Morocco

  • Written By: Kiana Davis, Social Action and Social Justice Manager

(Photo above: A woman tries to recover some of her possessions from her home which was damaged by an earthquake in the village of Tafeghaghte, near Marrakech, Morocco, Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. Credit: Mosa’ab Elshamy / AP)

On Friday evening, a devastating earthquake struck Marrakech and many small villages throughout the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, claiming thousands of lives and leaving thousands of survivors injured and without homes, food and clothing. 

We mourn all of the lives lost and pray for all who have survived and are in need, as well as for the country’s quick healing. 

We know the impact of this tragedy will be far reaching and that the needs on the ground are tremendous. We offer these suggestions for giving to organizations who are currently responding to the crisis unfolding in Morocco: 

  1. NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief is swiftly mobilizing to provide critical medical and trauma care to the affected population. NATAN’s first team of medical volunteers is already on location in Morocco and prepared to treat survivors as well as to assess what will be needed from successive teams. NATAN is working closely with the Jewish Community of Marrakech which is near the epicenter of the earthquake. Give to NATAN here. 
  2. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is partnering with the Jewish community of Morocco to respond to the historic earthquake near Marrakech. The organization, which has operated in the country since 1947, will provide immediate relief – likely including food, medicine, temporary shelter, and medical support, including evacuation – and has already deployed its disaster relief experts to Marrakesh to assess emerging needs and provide relief services. Support JDC’s efforts in Morocco here.
  3. The Association Mimouna, created by young Muslim students willing to promote and preserve the Jewish-Moroccan heritage, is providing needed support and direct aid to affected communities. The Kivunim Institute, founded and led by longtime BJ member Peter Geffen, is accepting tax deductible donations, which will be immediately provided to and disbursed by Mimouna to NGOs working on the ground in Morocco. Support Mimouna via Kivunim here. Please indicate “Morocco Relief” on your donation.