The aftermath of Hurricane Odile in Cabo, Mexico. Inset: Rabbi Benny Hershcovich.

Mexico Shluchim Out of Contact After Hurricane Hits

Hurricane Odile has wrecked havoc on the glittery beach destination of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico. Chabad Shluchim Rabbi Benny and Sonia Hershcovich, who have been serving the community diligently throughout the ordeal, are out of communication and need serious assistance.

The last time friends and relatives heard from Rebetzin Sonia was when she was entering early labor with hospitals decimated by the hurricane’s impact.

Rabbi Mendel Polichenco, Shliach to Tijuana, and Rabbi Yonah Fradkin, executive director of Chabad of S. Diego, have received sporadic reports of sightings of Rabbi Benny by local Baalei Batim, who he has been assisting during this emergency period.

Reports that the Chabad House and shluchim’s house have been flooded are unconfirmed at this time.

“There is an urgent need to be in contact with the Hershcovichs directly” Said Rabbi Polichenco. “We urge anyone with contacts in Cabo to reach out and see if they can have Rabbi Benny contact us immediately.”

As local airports are closed at this time, Rabbi’s Polichenco and Fradkin are assembling a caravan to drive the 20 hours down to the shluchim in Cabo and La Paz from the San Diego border. Material such as electrical generators, food supplies, and flood abatement equipment are being sought. Donations of generators and other emergency materials by those  in the Southern California region are much needed.

The security situation is tenuous, with rampant looting occurring and roads difficult to traverse.

To assist the Shluchim, please visit www.jewishcabo.com. To contact Rabbi Mendel Polichenco directly, please email latinrabbi@gmail.com or call 858-333-4613.

Update: A relative of the Shluchim informed CrownHeights.info that Rabbi Benny and Sonia have been contacted, and are okay.

The Shluchim described hiding in a closet with their children and saying Tehillim as the hurricane hit. They were able to hear people screaming for their lives outside their home.

After that harrowing experience, the Shluchim are still without electricity, and are surviving on only 25 liters of water.

The food Mrs. Hershcovich prepared for Rosh Hashana has all gone bad due to the lack of refrigeration. To top it all off, she is due to give birth very soon.

Please follow above link to donate and assist them in their time of need.

7 Comments

  • We miss you Rabbi

    Rabbi Benny
    We miss your parsha video’s
    Please call your local Chabad Shliach NOW!!!!!!

  • Cholent Mit Kugel

    As long as there is Tequilla, everything is ok with the world. Gam Zeh Ya’avor

  • From his brothers FB page

    Attention everyone,
    As far as we know, Benny is ok. He was last heard from DIRECTLY last night. Sveral hours ago, my parents spoke to someone in Cabo whose son is with Benny.
    I just spoke with my parents. They just spoke to someone in Cabo whose son is with Benny, going around helping Jews. They may go help the Shliach in La Paz, as they’ve already helped one Jew who had his hand shattered during the Hurricane when a door fell on it (he’s now in surgery).
    BENNY AND THE FAMILY ARE OK.
    Thank you for your concern, and please take the opportunity to blow Shofar for someone today!

  • To top it all off....

    It’s not such a hard sell. Just tell us they need help and we will send it. No need for a sob story. I know that these shluchim are to begin with not well funded. Please open your hearts.

  • christine alexander

    As a former resident of Baja sur I caution anyone considering driving the Baja peninsula for at least a month. Arroyos will be flooded, gasoline will be in short supply, and sanitary conditions will be at their worst. Don’t chance it!