Convene, Connect, and Respond

Convene, Connect, and Respond: An Update on Wildfire Relief Efforts

Guided by a shared core mission to convene, connect, and respond in times of crisis, Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA), with support from Jewish Long Beach has mobilized swiftly to provide critical resources, elevate urgent needs, and ensure that those affected by the fires are met with care and support.

In the face of loss, Jewish Long Beach has stepped up to strengthen ties with our neighbors Over 100 Long Beach community members donated funds to JFEDLA’s relief campaign. Within one week of the fires erupting, Jewish Long Beach launched the JCC Cares LA Wildfire Relief Drive, collecting over 600 bags of clothing, hygiene products, toys, books, and bedding, totaling $12,000 worth of aid to those who had been affected by the fires. Amid tragedy, we have taken the opportunity to come together, remaining resilient, adaptive, and committed to strengthening our community.

In response to the tragedy in wake of the fires, JFEDLA has committed to taking the following steps towards their Community Engagement Initiative to stay connected and aid the LA community:

• JFEDLA has created and regularly updates a Wildfire Crisis Resource Guide, which has been accessed by tens of thousands of people. The guide provides essential, timely information on accessing emergency support, shelter, mental health services, government resources, and more, along with opportunities to volunteer and donate.

• JFEDLA is actively participating in ENLA (Emergency Network Los Angeles) calls to stay informed and help fill any gaps with which our community can assist. These calls bring together local, state, and FEMA representatives, in addition to major non-profit organizations including Salvation Army, Red Cross, CORE, and LA Works. Look out for opportunities for us to engage you as needs emerge. Additionally, JFEDLA is working with Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC)to identify legislation that will strengthen and build up our communities.

• JFEDLA continues to connect LA volunteers with opportunities across the city to address the immediate needs of individuals and communities impacted by the wildfires.

• JFEDLA has sent letters of support to churches, mosques, and synagogues devastated by the fires.

• As a first step in providing financial support, JFEDLA has allocated funds to synagogues most impacted by the LA fire with rabbinical discretionary funds to offer direct relief to impacted community members.

There is a long road ahead to recovery and there is more work to be done. Jewish Long Beach looks forward to continuing to call upon you as needs arise, to support our neighbors JFEDLA as they further engage, mobilize, lobby, volunteer, and care for our county.

Jewish Federations across the continent provide a lifeline for Jews and non-Jews in distress, at home, in Israel and across the globe. In times of crisis, Federations are there to help and rebuild. Our network of local and international partners enables us to respond quickly and effectively. We fund urgently needed basics like food and medicine, and long-term needs like trauma counseling. We provide resources to emergency service providers so they can help where they’re most needed.