Haiti has a unique place in the history of NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief. It is a country where we have repeatedly witnessed the devastating intersection of natural disaster and extreme poverty, but also where we have seen the incredible power of local and international solidarity. Over the years, NATAN has deployed to Haiti during its three most significant modern crises: the 2010 earthquake, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and the 2021 earthquake.
Our deep connection to the island is further strengthened by a personal legacy. Sharona Natan, the daughter of our namesake and peace activist Abie Natan, lived in Haiti for many years. Her presence on the island provided a profound emotional bridge between the organization and the Haitian people, embodying the spirit of humanitarianism that Abie Natan championed throughout his life.
2010: The Beginning of a Bond
Following the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010, NATAN teams were among the first responders. During this mission, we established the partnerships and local friendships that would form the foundation for all our future work in the country. It was here that we first learned how to navigate the complex logistical and social landscape of the island to reach those most in need.
2016: Response to Hurricane Matthew
In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew, a Category 4 storm, devastated the island once again. While international aid often focused on urban centers, NATAN partnered with CADENA (the Jewish humanitarian organization of Mexico) to reach the remote Chantal district.
In the village of Jabouin, the situation was critical. Agriculture had been destroyed, livestock were lost, and diseases like Cholera and Zika were on the rise. NATAN’s team—including our Chairman and the Head of the Psycho-Social Department—focused on community stabilization. Rather than just delivering goods, we provided local leaders with the tools and structures needed to coordinate their own relief efforts, helping to bring order to the post-storm chaos.
2021: Rapid Mobile Relief
On August 14, 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck, leaving over 2,200 dead and 40,000 homes destroyed. NATAN volunteers returned once more, this time in a joint operation with Operation Blessing.
Our teams specialized in a mobile, village-to-village approach:
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Reaching the Isolated: Teams moved through small, rural villages that were otherwise cut off from the main aid hubs.
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Mobile Field Clinics: Volunteers set up daily clinics, treating 30 to 50 patients every day with life-saving medical supplies and trauma care.
A Legacy of Continuous Support
Looking back from 2026, NATAN’s history in Haiti represents more than just a series of emergency responses; it is a long-term commitment. From the first responders in 2010 to the mobile clinics of 2021, we have remained dedicated to the belief that relief is most effective when it is agile, community-focused, and rooted in genuine human connection.