Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Texas as they face the epic devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey.
The storm that unleashed approximately 27 trillion gallons — or a record 51 inches — of rain on Texas and Louisiana left:
- 50 people dead (a figure expected to increase)
- Thousands of residents displaced
- Billions of dollars in property destroyed
While hatred and evil were on display only weeks earlier in Charlottesville, the best of humanity revealed itself during the response to Harvey.
From the brothers who drove from Dallas to participate in dangerous rescue efforts, to the spontaneous human chains formed to save others, to the local Pizza Hut delivering pizzas by boat to stranded residents, selfless acts of courage abounded during the tragedy in Texas.
Jewish Organizations Assisting Harvey Victims
For those still seeking ways to help the victims of Harvey, the following Jewish organizations have engaged in relief efforts:
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston
The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston is accepting donations for hurricane relief and is also working with Jewish Family Services of Houston to collect and distribute e-gift cards to people in need.
Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federations of North America have established a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
Agudath Israel of America
Agudath Israel of America has created a disaster relief fund to support Jewish families in the Houston area in need of:
- Food
- Clothing
- High Holiday provisions
IsraAid
IsraAid is an Israeli organization that has provided disaster relief around the world.
The organization sent a team to Houston and is collecting donations to support efforts:
“to provide emergency relief, psychosocial support, and debris removal assistance.”
B’nai B’rith International
B’nai B’rith International is accepting donations for Hurricane Harvey victims through the B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Fund.
NECHAMA: Jewish Response to Disaster
NECHAMA is an organization that mobilizes volunteers to assist victims of natural disasters throughout the United States.
The organization is planning a long-term deployment to Texas and is seeking:
- Donations
- Volunteers
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
The Union for Reform Judaism established the URJ Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
Among the relief activities supported by this fund is the work of the URJ Greene Family Camp.
In partnership with local organizations, the camp operates the:
Hurricane Harvey Houston Day Camp
The camp provides:
- Childcare
- Meals for children whose parents are managing flood clean-up and related issues
The URJ Greene Family Camp in Bruceville, Texas, also opened its facilities to families needing temporary shelter.
Additionally, the URJ website lists Houston-area synagogues that individuals may contact directly to determine specific needs.
Orthodox Union
The Orthodox Union established a webpage soliciting:
- Donations for Houston’s Jewish community
- Commitments to recite Tehillim (Psalms)
People can also volunteer through the page to travel to flood-ravaged areas and assist the Orthodox community on the ground.
