NEW YORK – The Orthodox Union (OU), the nation’s oldest and largest umbrella organization for the North American Orthodox Jewish community, is launching a two-week emergency campaign to raise funds for much-needed oxygen concentrators for India as it fights a COVID-19 pandemic surge.
India is facing a skyrocketing number of COVID-19 cases and an overstretched medical system that simply cannot accommodate the number of cases. This situation is magnified in rural areas, where there are even fewer resources. Thousands of people are dying every day and the devastation is overwhelming. Even more difficult to comprehend is the awareness that these deaths could be prevented if only the country had adequate oxygen concentrators and medical equipment.
The OU is asking individuals or families in the Jewish community to donate $18 to help India’s beleaguered healthcare system with the aim of collectively acquiring and donating 50,000 oxygen concentrators, each one capable of helping up to 1,100 people.
“The Orthodox Union’s mission and purpose has always been to hold close the timeless teachings of Torah so as to better serve and strengthen humanity and it is crucial that we step in and assist India during this crisis,” said OU President Moishe Bane. “We have the opportunity to participate in saving lives and we must do our part.”
“As the Rambam so beautifully taught, the extent of our compassion and our concern goes beyond our own community and God’s goodness extends to everyone,” said OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer. “While we continue to focus so much of our energy and resources on the troubling increase in antisemitic attacks around the world, we remain mindful of the trials faced by others. As citizens of the world, it is our responsibility to help those in India during this difficult time.” To donate to the cause, please visit: https://www.ou.org/crisis-in-india/.
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union, (OU), serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs. For more information, visit https://www.ou.org/.