On March 28th 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar at 12:50pm local time, followed by huge aftershocks across the region. Thousands of lives have been lost, and thousands more are injured or displaced.
The earthquake has caused significant destruction across Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok. Even before the earthquake, 19.9 million people – including 13.4 million women and children – were in desperate need of aid in Myanmar.
Now, with homes destroyed, hospitals damaged, and thousands displaced, the need is even greater. Rescue efforts are still underway to save people trapped under rubble following the collapse of buildings and infrastructure.
As a Jewish global humanitarian relief agency, we are committed to supporting those within and beyond our community. We have launched an urgent appeal to respond to humanitarian needs alongside our trusted partner in the area, Swanyee, who we have worked with for over six years and are well-established in Myanmar. They know the local community and continue to assess the needs for those affected by this catastrophic disaster.
Your support will help provide life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable in Myanmar. This includes the following humanitarian aid for 1,500 families:
- Cash and vouchers for emergency shelter to help those who have lost everything
- Hygiene kits, including clean drinking water, soap and water purification tablets
- Supplying blankets to help keep people warm
- Providing food packages to the worst affected so they can stay nourished
- First aid kits to medical units to support all those injured
We have to act now to help those who need us most. Please donate now and help communities devastated by this deadly earthquake.
To discuss making a substantial philanthropic gift, or for further details about our response, please contact Rabbi Dina Brawer, Executive Director of World Jewish Relief USA.
Who are you working with in Myanmar?
We have a longstanding partner in Myanmar – Swanyee Development Foundation – who we have been working with for the last six years. Swanyee are a well-established partner on the ground in Myanmar who know the local community well. They are continuing to assess the urgent needs for those affected by this catastrophic disaster. We are supporting them to meet those enormous instant needs for the most vulnerable in Myanmar.
How can you guarantee my money is going to reach the people who need it most?
Before we begin any relationship we conduct due diligence and ensure that any potential partner meet our own criteria for working together. We look at organisations’ governance structures, policies, financial management and capabilities when making our assessment. In this instance we most recently supported Swanyee in May 2024, and we’re confident in their ability to deliver vital support to people on the ground.
Is there a Jewish community in Myanmar?
There is a very small Jewish community in Myanmar, who we have had contact with in the past. Our support today is focused on those most directly affected by the earthquake in March 2025.
Where else are you responding to emergencies at the moment?
In addition to the emergency situation in Myanmar, we continue to provide life-saving support to people around the world, including those experiencing the effects of conflict in Ukraine and Israel.
Will my Pesach appeal donation go to Myanmar?
No. Only funds raised from the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal will support our emergency response to Myanmar.
