S BARBARA, CA — As firefighters plowed forward in a 10-day battle against raging flames known as the Gap Fire in the wooded mountains around S. Barbara and Goleta, Calif., a Jewish center just one block from the evacuation line continued to offer support to displaced and anxious residents.
Southern California Fire Sparks Selflessness Among Jewish Residents
S BARBARA, CA — As firefighters plowed forward in a 10-day battle against raging flames known as the Gap Fire in the wooded mountains around S. Barbara and Goleta, Calif., a Jewish center just one block from the evacuation line continued to offer support to displaced and anxious residents.
Elie Fouere, a one-time volunteer New England fire-fighter who now calls California home, reported that Chabad-Lubavitch of S. Barbara was the “safest place to be” when the fire posed an immediate threat to area homes.
In addition, he noted, a fire relief effort identified citizens in need of assistance and provided a central location for people far away from the smoke to contribute money.
Rabbi Zalman Kudan, the Goleta-based youth director at the Chabad House, said that the relief effort – which in addition to providing funds for displaced residents, sent a generator to power the life-support equipment of an elderly Jewish woman whose home was without electricity – has not ended, given the uncertainty of the fire. He urged concerned people everywhere to make a contribution by visiting the effort’s Web site.
“Chabad translates love of one’s fellow into action,” said Kudan. “It’s been wonderful to see the response of the community and the willingness of people who have offered support and housing.”
YOUR L.A. KLEIN FANS!!
GO SHTERNA AND ZALMY!! WOOHOO!!
Jason
Wow, great photo!