SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX — Cars stacked up in a slow-moving procession across the Queen Isabella Bridge as a strengthening Hurricane Dolly inched ever closer to South Padre Island, Texas. Among the exodus of residents and tourists heading inland were the 40 campers and staff of Lubavitch Camp Gan Israel.
South Texas Camp Sets Up Temporary Headquarters Inland as Dolly Arrives
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX — Cars stacked up in a slow-moving procession across the Queen Isabella Bridge as a strengthening Hurricane Dolly inched ever closer to South Padre Island, Texas. Among the exodus of residents and tourists heading inland were the 40 campers and staff of Lubavitch Camp Gan Israel.
But Chabad Rabbi Asher Hecht, director of the three-year-old Jewish overnight camp, was quick to emphasize that he did not consider the move an evacuation. Preferring instead to characterize the five-hour trip to S. Antonio as an “extended road trip,” the rabbi said the goal was to maintain camp operations during the three-day stay.
“We’re relocating to a Days Inn,” said Hecht. “We’ve also reached out to the local Jewish Federation and the local Jewish Community Center. In addition, Chabad-Lubavitch of South Texas is prepared to help us with whatever we need. We’re keeping this camp going, and have a full schedule of activities for our campers.”
Hecht’s staff and campers headed out yesterday morning, and were some of the first people off the island. Throughout the day, a steady stream of vehicles could be seen heading one way across the bridge on State Highway 100, which the Texas Department of Transportation closed at 10 p.m.
A warm Lubavitcher
I know what its like to deal with these hurricanes.
I think people should give a helping hand to Rabbi Hecht!
shliach
My brother is a staff member there, they are an amazing camp geared to “frei” kids. They have had to relocate to another city for the time being which is very expensive as they are still keeping up excellent first rate programming.
They definately can use donations at this time to help alleviate the tremendous expense. I made a donation on their website, and I encourage you to consider doing the same!!
http://www.cgispi.com/donate