makeshift donation and distribution point
makeshift donation and distribution pointReuters

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross to provide humanitarian assistance to those suffering from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Sandy.

"Many of us who live and work in the metropolitan New York area witnessed the frightening power of this particular storm and see the long path ahead for recovery," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "The Jewish tradition teaches us to help those less fortunate. With this gift, we wish to contribute to the American Red Cross efforts to deliver urgent assistance to our fellow citizens."

The donation comes from AJC's Harriet and Robert Heilbrunn Humanitarian Fund, which in the past has provided assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and to survivors of both natural and man-made humanitarian disasters in countries around the world.

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Chabad Lubavitch and other Jewish organizations worldwide have established funds and other means of support for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.