Chabad Carnival to Bring Joy to Hurricane Victims

Chabad is sponsoring a free carnival for the Hurricane Katrina evacuees now sheltered in S. Antonio, Texas, announced Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, Director of West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch.

“In response to this disaster, Chabad launched an extensive relief program to aid victims of all faiths,” said Rabbi Cunin. “In this case, we just want to bring a little happiness to all of the displaced families and children who find themselves living in airplane hangars in S. Antonio. When Chabad suggested this event to other relief organizations working in the area, they offered their enthusiastic support.”

The carnival — which is being organized by Chabad of South Texas and West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch — has received significant cooperation from many humanitarian and charitable groups, including the Red Cross, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the S. Antonio Jewish community, and local religious organizations.

The free carnival will allow thousands of evacuees to enjoy a carousel, funhouse, and other rides as well as traditional popcorn, ice cream, and snow cones. The festive event will be held on September 11 at KellyUSA, an airport and business park now serving as one of Texas’ initial reception areas for hurricane refugees. Roughly 3,500 people are being housed at this location, which is the site of two of S. Antonio’s four shelters.

“In assessing the needs of the evacuees on the ground, it became clear that what these people need now more than ever is something to lift their spirits and bring smiles back to their faces,” said Rabbi Chaim Block, Director of Chabad of South Texas, “And that is how the idea of a carnival was born.”

The carnival at KellyUSA will run from 10 am to 7 pm on Sunday, September 11, and Chabad is exploring the option of adding an extra day.

A moment of silence will be observed to honor those who lost their lives during Hurricane Katrina as well as those who died from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.