In the wake of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on February, 27, 2010, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, announced that it will collect funds for relief efforts. JDC provides technical assistance to many Latin American countries including Chile, and is conducting a full and rapid assessment of the situation to determine critical next steps based on immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas. JDC relief efforts are part of its International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters.