Late Friday night local time, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco, near Marrakech and affected neighbouring provinces, especially near the epicentre of Al-Haouz in the High Atlas Mountains.Marrakech is a city of more than one million residents. As of this update, more than 2,000 people have been confirmed dead and at least 2,000 more injured, many of them critically. The earthquake also caused widespread damage and destruction, especially within the ancient quarters of Marrakech and rural villages in the region. The last major earthquake in the region was in February 2004, when 628 people were killed in the north of the country.

Here's what we know so far:

• The Moroccan government is still assessing the situation on the ground and has yet to decide whether it will request and facilitate international assistance or rely on local resources to manage the response.
• The Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which has operated in Morocco since the 1940s, plans to partner with the local Jewish community to provide immediate non-sectarian relief, likely in the form of food, medicine, temporary shelter, and medical support. Two JDC staff are already on their way to Marrakech to assess the emerging needs, while JDC's country director will coordinate with the community in Casablanca.
• The Jewish Agency for Israel is also in contact with the local Jewish community to assess their needs.
• Israel’s President Isaac Herzog shared condolences online, expressing that, “Our hearts are with the Moroccan people. On behalf of the people of Israel, I send deepest condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and all the people of Morocco for the tragic loss of life in last night’s earthquake. We pray for the injured. Israel is ready to help as needed."
• Countries around the world have offered support.
• Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, instructed the IDF and the Defence establishment to prepare to send humanitarian aid and search-and-rescue teams.
• Israel's Foreign Ministry updated that it has accounted for all 479 Israeli citizens currently in Morocco and there were no injuries reported among them.

Morocco normalized relations with Israel in December 2020, joining the Abraham Accords, launching direct flights, and pledging to promote economic cooperation. Morocco was home to a large historic Jewish population of more than 250,000 prior to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Today, the Jewish population in Morocco numbers between 1,500-2,000, living mostly in the major cities, including approx. 120 in Marrakech. Nearly one million Israelis are descended from Moroccan Jews.

For over six decades, Jews of Moroccan descent have been an integral part of the Montreal Jewish Community. Today, they represent over 20% of our diverse community. We know that many still have deep ties and family members in Morocco and return frequently to visit. At the time of the earthquake, over 60 Montrealers were in Morocco (for the most part in Essaouira) for the Hilloula of Rabbi Haim Pinto. They are all accounted for and safe.

Federation CJA, the Communaute Sepharade Unifiee du Quebec (CSUQ) and Canadian Sephardi Federation (CSF) will continue to work with our international and Israeli partners to respond immediately to crises in Jewish communities around the globe and provide non-sectarian disaster relief on behalf of the Jewish people.

As we assess the needs on the ground, should you wish to make a donation, please click below. 100% of the proceeds with support those impacted by the devastation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families impacted by this devastating earthquake.