Chabad Telethon to Aid Hurricane Relief Efforts

Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, announced today that Chabad will urge donors during its upcoming “Celebration 25” Telethon to add to their usual contributions in order to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The California-based organization has joined as a full partner in a broad relief program undertaken by Chabad-Lubavitch of Louisiana, and is providing vital financial, material, and logistical aid to those in need.

“It’s impossible to see the images of destruction and loss coming from the Gulf Coast and not be moved to action,” said Rabbi Cunin. “Our hearts go out to the hundreds of thousands who are suffering from this disaster, and we will continue to do everything we can to help the survivors. On September 25, we will ask our generous Telethon donors to contribute an extra amount during this emergency that they can earmark for hurricane relief. Chabad has a long, proud tradition of nonsectarian crisis intervention, and now is the time for all of us to step forward,” said Rabbi Cunin.

“West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch has assumed a critical role in our life-saving hurricane relief efforts,” said Rabbi Zelig Rivkin, Director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Louisiana. “They are providing immediate assistance that allows us to react quickly to the crisis, and have partnered with us in every way during this difficult time. We are grateful that the Chabad Telethon will urge donors to add to their usual contributions to support our efforts.”

“This is a time of great need for all of us along the Gulf Coast,” added Rabbi Rivkin. “Our network of emergency centers in the disaster area is working around the clock to assist survivors of this terrible storm. We hope that Telethon viewers — in addition to supporting Chabad’s ongoing, vital programs that rely on their donations — will use this opportunity to extend a helping hand for our relief efforts.”

Chabad’s Telethon is an annual fundraising event that supports the largest network of educational and nonsectarian social services under Jewish auspices in America. Over the last 25 years, the Telethon has hosted appearances by such leading entertainment industry figures as Jon Voight, Magic Johnson, Martin Sheen, Bob Dylan, Matt LeBlanc, Tony Danza, Whoopi Goldberg, Drea de Matteo, and Jerry Weintraub. The special Chabad “Celebration 25”

Telethon will broadcast live from Hollywood on September 25th, from 3 pm to Midnight, PDT. It will also be simulcast around the globe via the Internet at ToLife.com.

More than a dozen Chabad centers across the Gulf Coast and the South have been converted into emergency relief stations to provide shelter, food, clothing and accommodations to displaced families. Chabad of Louisiana has been involved in evacuation efforts, and has provided counseling, referrals to other agencies, and networking for those in search of loved ones. The organization is also helping place children in Chabad schools — with tuition waived — and is finding temporary housing for many families.

Additionally, they are using their network of community and business contacts to find new employment for displaced persons.

“West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch will stand with our Gulf Coast representatives in the days and months ahead as we work to help the hurricanesurvivors rebuild their lives,” said Rabbi Cunin. “Our centers here on the West Coast will open their doors to refugees with relatives in the area — in fact, the first groups have already arrived. We will reach out in every way possible to offer a new beginning for those affected by this tragedy.”

“The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, taught us the special power contained within each good deed,” added Rabbi Cunin, “And after this devastating storm, we will need as many good deeds as possible.”