Hurricane Ian tore off Sara's roof! She and her two toddlers are stranded with little food and are running low on diapers. Marty had to swim out of his house in the middle of the night. His home was completely destroyed. Neighbors are stranded in the streets. Joseph passed away on Rosh Hashanah and still hasn't been buried. Irene, in her late eighties, lives alone. We are trying to contact her to make sure she is okay!
"All of Israel Are Responsible for One Another" - Talmud. We can't turn our backs on a Jewish community in dire need of help.
There are countless Sara's & Irene's in Venice, FL, who need your help right now!
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Update 10/6
During the tear-filled Yom Kippur, we were given a respite to reflect on the damaging power of the storm, and healing power of community.
Before the fast, students from rabbinical colleges across America arrived on the scene. They distributed another three hundred meals to individual homes, as well as to the community at large - operating out of an RV in the heart of North Port. Meanwhile, volunteers at Chabad organized and operated a warehouse of food and supplies, giving out essentials to those in need.
As of this morning, we're mobilizing volunteers once again to clear debris, deliver meals, and make contact with the storm-battered members of our community
Thank you to all who have donated so far: you've made this relief effort possible. To support the rapidly impoverished of our community with essentials this Sukkot, please continue to donate above
May Hashem look down upon our efforts and bless us this Sukkot with a year of joy and serenity
- Rabbi Sholom Schmerling
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Update 10/2
What an incredible, collective effort: 50 volunteers from Tampa, 50 volunteers from our community, a huge turnout from Boca Raton, all working together to bring warmth and comfort to the far corners of our community. By day’s end, over five hundred meals were cooked and distributed, along with essential supplies, diapers and gasoline.
As volunteers made their way back, they brought with them stories of tragedy and hope, like that of Jennifer in Rotonda West. Tearfully, she and her daughter received their hand-cooked meals at the doorstep of a roofless home. Our dedicated office administrator Sasha brought dozens of care packages to her North Port neighborhood, where policemen distributed them to the men, women, and children rescued by boat from their flooded homes.
We continue to supply meals, supplies, and cash relief to those who lost their homes: paying for hotel rooms, supplying generators, and providing transportation. Thank you to all who have joined the campaign so far. If you are in a position to help, please give generously below
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Update 9/28
We are hopeful that this email finds you safe!
Thank G-d our family is safe and ok. We are still without power and limited cell phone usage.
We know of so many in our community that were affected by the devastation of the hurricane.
We are here to help during this challenging time.
We are hearing from many family members around the world, asking if we heard from their loved ones. Chaya Rivka and I are trying to reach out to anyone in need. If you need us to check on a family member, please reply to this email, text or, Whatsapp either of us (We still don’t have proper cell phone service)
If you or someone you know needs help with clean up, shelter, food, and water- please let us know and we will do our best to assist. We are working with Chabad Houses around the State to bring relief to all.please send us an email or click on this form to request assistance:
Major community-wide relief efforts are underway in Fort Meyers, Cape Coral, Naples/Marco, Bonita, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona and Ormond Beach, Jacksonville etc. We are in touch with our Chabad colleagues in the major affected areas to coordinate these efforts.
To help support this state-wide critical Ian relief efforts, please donate generously now: www.chabadofvenice.com/relief
May G-d bless you and your loved ones.
Rabbi Sholom Schmerling: [email protected] - Cell (941) 330-4477
Chaya Rivka: [email protected] - (941) 330-4474