Disaster Relief Blog

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.

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
 

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
 

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

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 [email protected] 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.

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 ([email protected]) 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 [email protected] 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.

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. 

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.

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