Dear friends,
Today I am writing to you from Los Angeles, where many of our Federation team members have been participating in a two-day professional development workshop with Federation professionals from across the Western U.S. and Canada. The view from my window and the sharp smell of smoke in the hallway give only a sense of the horrific impact of the fires affecting the Los Angeles area.
Our colleagues from JFEDLA are not with us today, some evacuated, some with kids home from school, all working tirelessly to support their neighbors affected. Thus far we know of at least two lives lost with many others injured, and at least two synagogues that have been destroyed. We know that Jewish families, along with many other families, have lost their homes, or have had to evacuate with minutes to spare.
In San Diego we are far too familiar with the devastation wildfires can bring. And in moments of disaster and crisis, Jewish Federations are uniquely positioned to provide support.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, along with the Jewish Federation of Ventura County and Jewish Federation of Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, have opened a relief fund to help those affected by the fires.
You can help by contributing to their Wildfire Crisis Relief fund, ensuring that Jewish communities and others affected receive the assistance they desperately need. Together, we can support those in need and help rebuild what has been lost.
Thank you for your support and generosity.
Sincerely,
Heidi Gantwerk, President & CEO
Jewish Federation of San Diego
