As unprecedented wildfires continue to rage through southern Oregon, Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries are reaching out to residents, assisting firefighters and emergency workers, and opening a relief fund to help the thousands who are just learning that they have lost their homes and businesses.
“I’m getting calls and texts from people who have lost everything,” said Rabbi Avi Zwiebel, who along with his wife, Faigy, co-directs Chabad of Southern Oregon and lives in Ashland, where one of the fires is burning. “It’s going to take a long time for them to get back on their feet.”
More than 30 fires have been reported in Oregon in recent days, destroying hundreds of homes, displacing thousands of residents and charring hundreds of thousands of acres of land across the state.
“We’re in an unprecedented fire event,” tweeted Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. “Several significant, growing fires across the state continue to spread due to hot, dry weather and high winds. Oregonians’ lives are at risk. Follow evacuation orders, try to reduce your smoke exposure and take care of each other.”
Donations to the fire relief fund will allow the Zwiebels to provide those in need with food, shelter and financial assistance. There are an estimated 1,800 Jewish households in the Medford and Ashland areas.
In addition to speaking with some community members via text this morning, Zwiebel plans to visit area shelters to deliver containers of hot soup—cooked by his wife—and be there to support those who need a little nourishment and someone to talk to.
The Zwiebels themselves are keeping a close eye on the fires, one of which is just two or three miles from their home. They are currently in a “Level 1: Be Ready” evacuation zone and need to be prepared to leave. They have packed up in their car with essentials, including the community’s Torah scrolls, just in case.
As the rabbi said: “It’s still a windy day here, and the danger hasn’t passed. It’s not over.”
Assist Chabad of Oregon’s fire relief fund here.
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