www.chabadbrisbane.com | Blogs | Disaster Relief Blog

A Miracle in Our Times

Fri, 4 Feb 2011 2:33:00 PM

We witnessed yet again a miracle in our times. Cyclone Yasi's caused major devastation to many towns in Northern Queensland, and so far one young man has passed away. However, while praying for those who have lost their homes, business and personal belongings, we must give thanks to G-d Al-mighty for protecting Queenslanders from what could have been so much more devastating. The State Emergency Services and the Premier warned of very serious conditions with the high possibility of fatalities, and thank G-d we have been spared.

May G-d Al-mighty look down upon us and only shower us with visible goodness and blessings now and in the future.

With the conditions in Egypt not improving we pray and home to G-d to protect all innocent citizens from any suffering and bring peace and calm to the region speedily.

As we enter the Jewish month of Adar 1 today, we get 60 days of joy and celebration (as this year is a leap year and the joyous month of Adar is doubled, we have Adar 1 and then Adar 2) may we experience true joy and happiness throughout our State and indeed throughout the world.

With blessings and prayers for the arrival of our final Redeemer, Moshiach who will usher in eternal peace and harmony. Let it happen NOW!

Shabbat Shalom,

Chanoch H Sufrin

Chabad Contacts Many Families in Cyclone Yasi Firing Line

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 11:15:00 PM

Almost 90,000 homes are now without power in north Queensland, including the entire Townsville CBD, as the effects of Cyclone Yasi continue to mount.

Cyclone Yasi is expected to hit between Innisfail and Cardwell.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh warned at a 10.30pm press conferencethat the situation was likely to worsen, with the worst winds still two hours away.

Over the past 12 hours Chabad of RARA (Rural and Regional Australia) and Chabad Brisbane have been contacting Jewish residents living in North Queensland and checking-in to see how they are managing and preparing for the devastating Cyclone Yasi that is rapidly approaching.

A number of residents have shared their Hebrew names and we ask to remember their names in prayer as we pray for their safety during this time.

מיכאל בן שרה
אילנה בת שרה
ירדן בן אילנה
שרה בת אילנה
ארנון בן אהובה
סטפני בת מריון
נחשון בן חנה
אילה בת שרה
ים בן אילה
גי' בת אילה

May G-d Al-mighty spare them, their friends and communities, and may we see calm and stability return speedily.

THANK YOU!

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 7:54:00 PM

Over the past few weeks we have received numerous calls and emails thanking Chabad Brisbane and the Queensland Jewish community for their outpouring of care and support for those affected by the devastating floods. Below are a couple of excerpts.

"I have been meaning to get in touch to thank you very much for the food that you brought over to us during the flood. It was very much appreciated!!!"
- Amy

First, I would like to thank you personally for your support and to thank the Jewish community (especially Chanoch who was so helpful during this difficult time, he was in direct daily contact with us). It's wonderful to know that people who don't even know us that well still care.

We had a lot of support and a lot of help from different kind of people, and we are so grateful for that.

The [Chabad Gan Izzy day] camp helped Hilly to go back to normality and she had a great time.. Sapir, Hilly's sister, also enjoyed assisting and helping at the camp.

- Orly

Opportunity to attend ARK-AID Concert in Sydney

Tue, 1 Feb 2011 9:04:00 PM

In consultation with the Jewish House in Sydney, the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD Inc) is offering to fly four Jewish Queenslanders impacted by the floods down to Sydney so they can attend the massive ARK-AID Concert being held on Tuesday night (8 February).

Click here for more information about ARK-AID

ARIA Award winning artist, Ilan Kidron and his band the Potbelleez headline a star studded group of Jewish performers that include: Lior, Monsieur Camembert, Old Man River, and Young Elvis.

If you have been affected by the floods, are available to travel to Sydney to attend the ARK-AID Concert on Tuesday 8 February, then email the QJBD no later than 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February) to express your interest*.

If you are one of the four chosen to attend, the QJBD will pay for your flights and you’ll get free entry into the Concert. Who knows, you may even meet some of the bands!

All funds raised at the ARK-AID Concert will go toward the Queensland Jewish Community Service – Flood Appeal and the Queensland emergency services volunteers.

* Only four flights and tickets will be provided. Accommodation can be provided in Jewish homes, however no accommodation costs will be covered. All nominations will be considered and if there are more than four people expressing interest, names will be placed in a hat and selected at random. Successful nominees notified by COB Thursday 3 February.

Shalom

Jason Steinberg
President
QJBD Inc.

QJBD Flood Relief Update

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 3:41:00 PM

It has been nearly two weeks since the devastating floods turned south-east Queensland into a disaster zone. More than 200,000 people have been affected, including over 150 members of Queensland Jewry.

Those who have been affected are now in the rebuilding and recovery phase.

This update covers some key information which may be of interest to those families affected and the community in general.

1. Emergency relief payments to help Queenslanders in flood recovery

Queenslanders affected by the floods can receive one-off emergency payments in the first round of relief funding to be distributed from the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. Payments of $2,000 per adult and $1,000 per child have been announced, click here to apply.

2. Queensland Jewish Community Services Inc – Flood Appeal

Thousands of dollars have been donated from Queenslanders, people around Australia and internationally to help support Jewish families. Click here to make a donation.

Application forms and criteria will be available in the coming weeks, however if you, or someone you know, requires assistance please contact Ari Heber (ari@qjcs.org.au)

3. Emotional support

In times like these there is a huge strain on people. Emotional help is available from the Jewish House in Sydney, our community has access to a 24hour free confidential crisis counseling service. Please phone 1300 544 357

In addition, the Kids Help Line also provides free advice - 1800 55 1800.

Lifeline also provides 24/7 counseling service on 13 11 14

4. Trades and supplier support
Many thanks to those electricians, plumbers, builders, carpenters, painters and others who responded to the call to provide their expertise. Please contact Michael Solomon (mjsros@bigpond.net.au) who has a list of those who have registered their support.

5. Free legal services on offer to flood victims

Hundreds of lawyers from across the state are available to provide free legal advice to flood-affected Queenslanders. Call Flood Legal Help on 1300 65 11 88 for legal advice over the phone or to arrange a face-to-face consultation.

6. Ark Aid Concert, Sydney 8 February 2011

The Jewish House in Sydney is organising Ark Aid, a concert featuring Lior, The Potbelleez, Monsieur Camembert, Old Man River & Young Elvis.

It will be held at the University of NSW with proceeds going to the Queensland Jewish Community Services appeal and to assist Emergency Services Personnel.

Click here for more information

7. Letters of support
The support from Jewry across the world has been overwhelming. Letters have been received from:

The Ambassador of Israel, His Excellency Yuval Rotem

The Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Lord Sacks

Please send this email to your Jewish friends and families.

Shalom

Jason Steinberg
President
QJBD Inc.

Proud to be an Aussie!

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 1:00:00 PM

Excerpt from Weekly E-Torah Newsletter

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (August 2005), looting, violence and other criminal activity became serious problems. With most of the attention of the authorities focused on rescue efforts, public security in New Orleans degraded quickly. By August 30, looting had spread throughout the city, often in broad daylight and in the presence of police officers." (see more)

In December 2010 "Selfish Sanitation Department bosses from the snow-slammed outer boroughs [of New York City] ordered their drivers to snarl the blizzard cleanup to protest budget cuts -- a disastrous move that turned streets into a minefield for emergency-services vehicles." (see more)

In January 2011 "More than 55,000 volunteers registered to help clean up the streets of Brisbane, with thousands more unregistered volunteers wandering the muddy streets with gumboots and mops. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the volunteering effort showed tremendous 'Aussie spirit' and that "Right across Queensland today people have got up, marched out of their homes and gone to find people to help," she said. All across the state people have opened their houses, their hearts and their wallets to help. 13 year old Jordan Rice gave his life so that his 10 year old brother be saved from the flood waters before him. He has been dubbed by the public as an Australian hero." (see more)

WHAT A CONTRAST!

I am so proud to say "I am an Aussie." I am so proud to say "I am a Queenslander." And so should you be.

What a shining light we are to the world at large, when they watch 75% of our state - the size of Gemany and France - announced as a disaster zone, and what is the response? Thousands of people get out there and volunteer themselves to help another human being. No matter what colour, race or creed, we showed the world that we can put our differences aside and reach out to our fellow man.

"To Love Your Fellow Jew" is also a Mitzvah in the Torah, and the outpouring of love for fellow Jews has been overwhelming. Participating in numerous teleconferences over the past week with other community organisations, to help those affected by the devastating floods, and to hear of the assistance and care being offered is simple out of this world.

Thank you to every one of you Brisbanites and Queenslanders for making me so proud to be associated with you. Thank you to the Jewish community for showing your deep care and commitment to our community.

As we read the Torah portion in Shule tomorrow, Parshat Yitro (Jethro) and we read about the revelation at Sinai and the Ten Commandments, let us recommit ourselves to G-d and His Torah.

In the merit of this outpouring of love for one another, may G-d A-mighty reach out to us in love and once-and-for-all send us our Righteous Redeemer, Moshiach, speedily.

With blessings for a Shabbat Shalom.

Letter of Support from Israeli Ambassador to Australia

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 7:46:00 PM

18 January 2011
13 Shevat 5771

To the Jewish community of Queensland,

I write on behald of the people and government of Israel to express our sympathies over the recent and devastating events in Queensland. This is indeed a tragedy of national proportions and one which has captured the attention of the world.

Seeing the impact of the floods on our brethren, their homes and their synagogue is greatly saddening. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel and the embassy are with you at this difficult time.

Throughout our history the Jewish people have stood together in both happy time and periods of struggle. Australia too, has stood by the Israeli people as we have faced challenges over the last 60 years. The embassy and the government of Israel have therefore written to the governments of Australia and Queensland to offer our assistance.

I commend the Jewish Community of Queensland for your courage under difficult circumstances and wish you every success as you move forward and rebuild your homes and lives.

Sincerely,

Yuval Rotem
Ambassador of Israel to Australia

Letter of Support from Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 7:50:00 PM

I write to offer my sympathy to you, the Jewish community and all in Queensland, together with a message of faith and hope, following the recent flooding. There is no greater tragedy than innocent loss of life. We share your grief, your trauma, your tears.

Our thoughts are with the people of Queensland and in particular the victims and their loved ones. We pray for the injured, the bereaved and those who have lost their homes. May God give them strength and consolation; the strength to survive and consolation in the knowledge that so many in the world share their tears.

Lord Sacks
Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth

Message from Rabbi Levi Jaffe - Shabbat Shalom

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 6:20:00 PM

B”H

Message From Rabbi Jaffe

Jan 14, 2011 / Shvat 9, 5771

Loved ones have been lost, lives have been shattered however in the midst of this great devastation an unprecedented outpouring of help, camaraderie and compassion have arisen. We note the countless wonderful selfless acts of dedication and perseverance to come to the rescue of our fellow citizens.

It is at a time like this that we look inwards and ask ourselves why it must take a tragedy for people to bond together. The rallying call of the 21st century is for humanity to heal a fractured world; for families and communities to come together, not just when things go so terribly wrong but even and all the more so, when life is on an even keel.

Even as we try to navigate through this devastation, let us look towards our loved ones, our families and communities and resolve to avoid any conflicts and, if any, to mend any broken relationships and subscribe for a better more peaceful tomorrow.

It is heartwarming to witness the countless Jewish individuals who have volunteered to help. Many Jewish organizations have offered to help and indeed have already set the ball rolling, such as The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, the Queensland Jewish Community Services, Chabad of RaRa and Sydney Yeshivah’s Our Big Kitchen who are preparing Kosher food for distribution.

This Shabbat is Shabbat Shira (The Shabbat of song), celebrating the exodus of the Jewish people out of the ancient land of Egypt. It is also the 60th anniversary of the leadership of the Chabad Movement by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneersohn and under these propitious circumstances, it is significant to mention that the Rebbe has delegated over 2500 emissaries to teach all over the world that simple acts of goodness and kindness performed by millions of people would hasten the advent of Moshiach (the Messiah) and the final redemption, which will put an end to all the miseries of the world.

The Rebbe has on countless occasions taught us that we are at the threshold of the final redemption. In many ways one can hear the footsteps of Moshiach.

The Rebbe teaches that at all times, and in particular during periods of crises and tragedy, if we reach out to one another with even simple acts of goodness and kindness, we can tip the balance and transform the world from darkness to light. It is this spirit of selflessness and giving that we are witnessing here in Queensland in the aftermath of our great devastation.

When we look around us it is remarkable that we see that all the forces such as the Army which were prepared and singled out for military purposes are being deployed to help the afflicted and to rescue life rather than to combat other human beings, to save property rather than to destroy property which confirms the biblical prophecy that at the end of days the sword shall be beaten into the ploughshare.

May we merit salvation, each one individually, every family, every community and indeed the whole of humankind.

This Shabbat make it an exceptionally holy Shabbat, a special prayer, read more psalms for the blessing of our brothers and sisters, from all races and religions and from every single ethnic group, in distress and those who have selflessly volunteered to help them and for all those individuals who have and will donate funds for those in need.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Levi Jaffe

DONATE TO QUEENSLAND JEWISH FLOOD RELIEF

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 1:51:00 PM

DONATE TO QUEENSLAND JEWISH FLOOD RELIEF

The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies and Queensland Jewish Community Services announce a flood relief appeal for the Jewish people of Queensland impacted by the flood.

Direct deposit:
Queensland Jewish Community Services Inc. – Flood Appeal
BSB 064-127
Acc# 1030-7411

Cheque:
Payable: Queensland Jewish Community Services Inc. – Flood Appeal :
Send to: QJCS Inc, PO Box 1202, Stafford City QLD 4053

Credit Card:
Call support centre in Sydney on (02) 8353 1612.
Online: www.ChabadBrisbane.com/1410117 and we will direct funds directly to Relief Fund.

Tax Receipt:
Email details to ari@qjcs.org.au and a tax receipt will be sent to you.

Funds Distribution:
All funds raised will be used to assist Jewish people in Queensland impacted by the floods and distributed by Queensland Jewish Community Services Inc.

UPDATE 13 JAN - 8PM | The Impact on Jewish Queenslanders Becomes Clearer

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 8:00:00 PM

The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies issued the update below this evening.

Over the last 48 hours it has become clear that a number of Jewish people have had their homes and businesses destroyed by the floods. There are also a number of people who have evacuated, lost power and/or are stranded in their homes.

Thankfully, all our Jewish institutions and buildings have remained safe and dry.

Queensland Jewish Community Services, Chabad and other communal organisations have been working very hard to ensure we understand the impact on Jewish people.

At this stage, we know the following:

20+ people have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses
20+ homes and businesses have been flooded
6+ homes are currently without power
8+ families are isolated in their homes.

We have also been overwhelmed by offers of assistance by Jewish and non-Jewish people. It is testimony to the Jewish spirit that exists here in Queensland. To date more than 50 people have offered to assist in some way.

At this stage, it is too early to provide assistance to those whose houses are still flooded and we will have to wait until the 'official ok' is given to help with the clean-up efforts.

We will be in touch as soon as we are able to assign jobs and activities.

What can you do now?

One of the most critical needs is to assist those people who are without power. If you have a portable generator, camping stove, torches, eskies (and ice) that you can donate, please email Ari Heber (ari@qjcs.org.au) or text to 0423 194 737.

If you know of someone who is in need and they have not made contact with Ari Heber or Rabbi Jaffe, please email ari@qjcs.org.au ASAP.

We are working together to ensure we keep up-to-date on what is happening with communal members in need and will endevour to next update the community after Shabbat.

Please send this email to your Jewish friends and families.

Shalom

Jason Steinberg
President
QJBD Inc.

Flood Relief Update - 13 Jan, 2:45 pm

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 2:45:00 PM

A conference call is being coordinated by the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president, Jason Steinberg in order to coordinate relief efforts for the Jewish community.

The call will include representatives of Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, Queensland Jewish Community Services, Chabad Brisbane and National Council of Jewish Women.

Many families have had homes and business flooded and have been evacuated to friends and family.

More information to follow.

Flood Relief Update - 13 Jan, 12:51 am

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:51:00 AM

Chabad Brisbane staff met this evening to discuss what areas of relief can be serviced to the community to compliment the tireless efforts of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies and Ari Heber of Queensland Jewish Community Services.

All day Wednesday Chabad staff and volunteers called tens of Brisbane residents to offer spiritual, pastoral and moral support and assistance to those in the flood affected areas. Many residents were deeply touched by the sensitivity and care being offered.

In addition, Chabad Brisbane staff assisted the QJBD efforts in finding volunteers to assist residents to move personal belongings and furniture to higher ground.

Two families were evacuated from Brisbane CBD with the assistance of Rabbi Levi Jaffe and volunteers. Accommodation has been arranged for these evacuated families.

Torah scrolls and prayer books have been rescued from The Brisbane Synagogue and have been relocated to Chabad Brisbane, where prayer services will be held until further notice, including Shabbat services. During services, prayers will be offered for those in the flood affected areas.

In the coming days, we will be visiting evacuation centres, offering support and assistance to those in need both members of the Jewish community and the wider community. In addition we will be visiting families who have been evacuated, bringing them Kosher meals and offering a support and assistance.

Statement of Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:18:00 AM

The devastation and destruction caused by the floods in Queensland has shocked everyone.

The impact of the floods has been felt across the community and it is now evident that some Jewish people have been affected. To what extent, we are unsure at this time.

The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies Inc. (QJBD) is very grateful for the work of Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia who have been in regular contact with Jewish people in flooded areas.

Over the next few days, and as Brisbane experiences more significant flooding, the QJBD, together with Queensland Jewish Community Services and the Jewish Help in Need Society seek your assistance with the following:

1. If you know of any Jewish people who are need of assistance as a result of the floods, please contact the Queensland Jewish Community Services and the Jewish Help in Need Society - Ari Heber (Mobile 0423 194 737)

2. If you do have furniture, household products, Judaica, books, or anything else you wish to donate to a Jewish family in need, please contact Ari via email.

Please note that until people’s needs are known Ari will hold a register of what is available and co-ordinate distribution at an appropriate time.

3. If you have any spare rooms for Jewish evacuees who need a temporary place to stay due to the floods, please contact Ari via email.

Please forward this email on to your friends and family.

In addition, we encourage all members of the Jewish community to donate to various appeals such as the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.

Our community’s thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost loved-ones in the floods and those who have been impacted in any way.

Shalom

Jason Steinberg
President
QJBD Inc.

Message from Rabbi Levi Jaffe

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:18:00 AM

Dear Friends,

Please find below a statement from the Qld Jewish Board of Deputies to how you can be of assistance to members of our community.

In times of national disaster of this proportion all the anxiety and love wells up in every Jewish heart for the unfortunate victims of this inundation. We must never forget that as Jews we are responsible for one and other. We are all one unit, and where there is misfortune to one individual it is misfortune to the whole. We must continue to pray for all those affected by the floods. We urge you to do your utmost to help those families, victims of the flood, in every possible way by responding to the attached email from the QJBD.

SHABBAT SERVICES
Due to the rising waters Shabbat services at the Brisbane Synagogue (Margaret Street) will be relocated to the home of Rabbi Levi and Dvorah Jaffe, 8 Meadowbank Street, Carindale. Friday night: 6pm, Shabbat morning: 9am. Services will continue as normal at the South Brisbane Hebrew Congregation.

SPECIAL PRAYERS
We urge all those who are able to join us for prayer services over Shabbat, as we will be including special prayers for all those fellow citizens who are in distress.

KOSHER MEALS
If you are in need of ready-to-heat Kosher meals, we have a variety of meals available within our Kosher Meals on Wheels service.

With prayers for calm and safety for all Queensland residents,

Rabbi Levi & Dvorah Jaffe