World Jewish Relief will provide emergency shelter kits and essential non-food items as part of its response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on September 28.

More than 2,000 people are now reported dead and more than 800 missing.

The organisation will work alongside a trusted local partner in Indonesia, offering help to people in two of the areas that have been most affected - Sigi and Donggala.

WJR’s Humanitarian Programmes Manager will fly to Indonesia to co-ordinate the charity’s response with its local partners.

The agency will provide shelter kits with items that are suitable for emergencies, including blankets, mattresses, flashlights and basic tools. It also aims to supply non-food items to people who are now homeless. These include nappies, clothes, sanitary products and underwear for women and girls.

Paul Anticoni, World Jewish Relief’s Chief Executive, said: “The post bag has been full this week as people have sent in donations and we have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support from the UK Jewish community. This enables us to launch an effective response and help people whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.”

The initiative has the backing of the UK Jewish communal agencies and Senior Rabbis.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “There can be no more sobering reminder of human vulnerability than the harrowing images from Indonesia. Once again, World Jewish Relief is providing us with a vehicle for offering support to those in desperate need. Please help in any way you can.”

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism, said: “Please give generously to World Jewish Relief in support of those who are suffering the effects of the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. Our prayers say, ‘as God supports the needy when they call, may we respond with generosity and compassion.’ Let’s make these words real with our actions. We must respond to those who will need help rebuilding their lives and do all we can to alleviate their suffering and bring hope.”