Update from the front lines of the Carmel Fire

Thank G-d, the fires raging in Israel are now under control. However, the devastation has left 42 bereaved families and thousands of people displaced from their homes. Devastation and despair can be felt in the air.

The majority of the dead were Israel Prisons Service staff who was R”L burned alive in their bus near Beit Oren on Thursday. The dead also included two policemen who had tried to assist the bus passengers. Chabad has been in touch with the families and is helping them as much as we can during these terrible times.

By Saturday night, more than 17,000 people had been evacuated from 15 communities. There are thousands of men, women and children who are displaced and in need of care.

In the past days, Chabad has set up humanitarian aid efforts that run 24 hours a day, with dozens of activists and volunteers who provide vital aid to those affected and critical moral support and counseling to the security and firefighting forces.

We have 9 centers in the vicinity which are open day and night to assist the bereaved, the misplaced families and the rescue forces.

In the midst of all this we are also continuing our regular Chanuka activities bringing the light of Chanukah to all corners of Israel, with public Menorah lightings, large Chanukah parties and distribution of Sufganiyot (doughnuts) and Menorahs to those who need them. Most importantly, they are bringing joy and encouragement, lifting up the spirits of the people of Israel and the armed forces, during this dark time.

Please continue to pray for the families and increase in acts of goodness and kindness in their merit. When you light your Chanukah candles, please think of those whose lives have been destroyed by these terrible forest fires and ask Hashem to watch over them and protect them.

With best wishes for a happy Chanukah and better times for everyone.