This has been a challenging month on so many levels. We’ve witnessed the horror of Charlottesville and its aftermath. We’re seeing daily the devastation and suffering caused by Hurricane Harvey. But recent events have also shown that in harrowing moments, people do extraordinary things for one another. The vile hatred and anti-Semitism on display in Charlottesville brought people of goodwill forward to stand with the Jewish community. And, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s catastrophic damage, we’ve seen so many inspiring acts of heroism, kindness, and generosity.
UJA’s chief planning officer, Deborah Joselow, arrived in Houston yesterday as part of a small delegation of senior Jewish federation professionals. They’re there to provide expert assistance as well as assess needs on the ground.
In a dispatch from last night, Deborah describes a resilient community that has withstood flooding before and knows what to do. Still, they’re completely exhausted and overwhelmed, and grateful for the help.
In Deborah’s words …
“It’s a very surreal situation with some areas completely devastated and others virtually untouched. Whole neighborhoods are essentially streets lined with personal belongings — heaps of clothing, furniture, toys. The piles are eerily orderly — these are people who know post-flood protocol. They seem tired but resigned, more weary than shocked. And then, a few major traffic jams away, restaurants and shops are open and life seems strangely normal.
The Jewish community is heavily concentrated in a few zip codes — 75% of Jews here belong to just five synagogues. Several pockets of the Jewish community were disproportionately impacted by the storm. For example, 700 homes belonging to members of one shul with 850 families are under water.
Right now, cleaning supplies, packing materials, and fans are most important. This is the ‘muck out’ phase. By the weekend, the needs will change as folks have to figure out the logistics of moving on — housing, transportation, school. Older members of the community worry that ‘moving on’ might mean moving out. There just might not be options to meet the needs, especially for families with children. The costs of staying will be high; mortgages will have to be paid even while paying for temporary housing.
The JCC expects that its early childhood program will be shuttered for weeks, if not months. The major Conservative synagogue — which also houses the day school — is a total loss. They are scrambling to find a place to relocate the school so it can open. We are working with them to find alternatives.
There are bright spots. People are so gracious. Despite their fatigue and personal trauma, everyone we have met has been quick with a hug and eager to thank us for showing up. One of the Jewish overnight camps has partnered with a large synagogue to create a day camp. They serve three meals a day and operate with a staff of volunteers. Children can be cared for and nurtured while adults try to figure out reality. In the lobby of the hotel, a young man delivered a bag of kosher meals to an older couple. I am not sure who cooked it or how the food found the couple, but somehow it happened. The JCC tennis center — the only building on the campus that did not flood — has become a drop-off and distribution center for food, water, diapers, and cleaning supplies, and there is an equally steady flow of cars dropping off and cars picking up.
Jewish Family Service, which we’re helping support, is giving out cash assistance to support emergency needs. Next, we’ll be working on getting inventory on how many homes were destroyed. On Sunday, a major volunteer day will match people who want to help to those who need the help.
It’s with enormous gratitude that I also want to share that Jerry Levin, chairman of Lasko Products, the largest producer and supplier of fans in North America (and a former president of UJA), arranged for 1,000 fans to be donated and delivered to the JCC. These fans are desperately needed to prevent mold.”
As we go into the Labor Day weekend, we’re so grateful to Deborah for her service — and to Jerry, Lasko Products, and the more than 896 donors who have already given to support our Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
We know there’s a long road ahead for the people of Houston and surrounding communities. But they are not alone.
Shabbat shalom,
Eric
P.S. Please consider joining us next weekend for our solidarity Shabbaton in Charlottesville with the local Jewish community. Contact Julia Tejeda at to learn more.