Korea Times
Koreans in US join Japan relief effort
By Jane Han
NEW YORK ― Koreans across America are rolling up their sleeves to help Japan rebuild and recover in the wake of the powerful earthquake and tsunami that ripped through the country last week.
From donation drives to fundraising concerts, groups of all interests and scales are initiating various relief efforts to pitch in to the disaster response.
In New York and New Jersey, more than 350 Korean-American associations and churches have jointly kicked off a regional donation campaign this week.
``This is a tragedy for the international community,’’ said Ha Yong-hwa, president of the Korean-American Association of Greater New York. ``Japan is in desperate need of help and we will do our best to provide as much support as we can.’’
He said that the campaign was organized soon after Koreans in the New York and New Jersey areas voiced a need to contribute following the news.
Japan’s strongest earthquake on record rocked the nation’s northeast Friday, triggering a subsequent tsunami that ravaged coastal cities and led to the risk of a nuclear crisis.
``It’s important that Koreans overseas play a responsible role in the international community,’’ said Ha, adding that more organizations are expected to participate as the campaign progresses.
Similar efforts are underway on the other coast.
Korean-American associations in Los Angeles and Orange County have shelled out $4,500 to launch a donation drive that will run until the end of this week.
``We want to offer support to the Japanese people who are suffering from a rare natural disaster,’’ said Kim Jin-oh, president of the Korean-American Association of Orange County.
He added that now is a time to put history aside and show a love for humanity.
``We still have issues surrounding Dokdo, but now it isn’t the time to gripe over that,’’ said Kim, ``First comes first, we must extend support to people in dire need.’’
Besides donation campaigns, fundraising concerts are being planned by Korean-American musicians and artists in Seattle, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Korean student associations in colleges and universities are also teaming up to offer financial help.
The Korean Graduate Students Association at Cornell University was among the first to take action, launching a donation campaign for the victims in Japan.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/03/117_83265.html
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