"The Jewish community has always been at the forefront of responding to human and natural disasters, and playing a major role in alleviating such devastation," said Carol Smokler, chair of the UJC Emergency Committee. "Hurricane Katrina is taking a human, emotional and property toll of historic proportions. UJC and the Jewish federations of North America will, as always, respond rapidly to ease the challenges and suffering of our Jewish brethren and their neighbors."