World Jewish Relief has launched an emergency appeal after Morocco was hit by the country’s deadliest earthquake in six decades.  

Morocco was rocked by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday. At least 2,000 people have been killed and 2,500 more have been injured, according to Morocco's Interior Ministry. It is thought that over 300,000 people are affected by the disaster.

Hundreds of aftershocks, including one of 3.9 magnitude, have caused further damage to already fragile buildings that barely survived the first earthquake.

Some of the worst affected communities are in hard-to-reach regions of the mountains making the recuse effort harder to carry out.

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, the senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism UK, called on the community to support the World Jewish Relief efforts, which will help to provide food, water, tents, and medicines to those in need.

Wittenberg said: “Every Yom Kippur we pray that peoples’ houses should not become their graves. 

"We cannot stand by when just such a tragedy has overtaken central Morocco, killing thousands and destroying the homes and livelihoods of thousands more. 

"Once again World Jewish Relief is acting as our collective conscience and leading our response.”

At least two of the historic synagogues built by Sephardic communities have also been damaged by the quakes. 

Jews have had a presence in Morocco for thousands of years, and many members of the UK Jewish community have long-standing connections to the country.   

World Jewish Relief said it will support experienced partners operating in the region to provide life-saving supplies to those within and beyond the Jewish community. 

Paul Anticoni, chief executive of WJR said:   “The earthquake in Morocco has left a trail of devastation in its path which will be felt for many years to come.

"We know that food, water and shelter will be critical in the short-term. With the backing of the Jewish community, World Jewish Relief will work closely with partners to support those directly affected by the earthquake.”

Those who wish to make a donation to the World Jewish Relief appeal can do so here