Disaster Relief Blog - Chabad Brisbane

A Miracle in Our Times

Friday, February 4, 2011 - 2:33 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

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 - 11:15 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 cross the Queensland coast between Tully and Lucinda, marked on this map by rain cloud icons.

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!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 - 7:54 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

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 - 9:04 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.