Families were left homeless on Sunday in Safed, Israel, as raging brush fires fueled by sweltering midsummer temperatures and high winds swept through a neighborhood on the northern edge of the historic spiritual center in Israel’s Galilee. Residents were also treated for smoke inhalation during the day.
Colel Chabad—the oldest continuous charity in Israel—established a telephone hotline and aid center even as firefighters continued throughout the day to battle the blaze on the ground and from the air.
The fires were extinguished by evening, and a special fund and donation page was established to provide shelter, clothing and other needs for those who lost their homes and possessions in the blaze.
Rabbi Yoram Mauda, director of Colel Chabad in Safed, told Chabad.org that 10 buildings were completely destroyed in the fire, while many others were damaged.
Mauda said the organization hopes to raise about $200,000 for the families, most of whom lost everything. “We hope to replace the clothing, furniture, books, toys and other personal items,” he said. Colel Chabad is also working with organizations that are providing temporary shelter and helping the families find new homes.
Government and aid officials are in the process of assessing the damage to the Mount Canaan neighborhood, home to Kiryat Chabad, which was established by Chabad emissaries to the city in 1978, and includes the main Chabad synagogue, an international seminary and other communal institutions that serve the entire city.
Join the Discussion