Chabad Brings $150,000 of Support to Eastern Kentucky

By COLlive reporter

In the wake of massive flooding across Eastern Kentucky, Chabad of Kentucky partnered with the Israeli Consolute in Atlanta, led by Consul General Anat Sultan Dadon, to provide immediate aid to those affected in Eastern Kentucky.

The flooding last week swelled over roads, destroyed bridges and swept away entire homes, displacing thousands of Kentuckians, Governor Andy Beshears previously said. As of Monday, the death toll stood at 35 people. He said hundreds are still unaccounted for.

Vital electricity, water and roadway infrastructure were also knocked out. Some of it has yet to be restored, though cell service is returning in some of the state’s hardest-hit areas, the governor said according to CNN.

A Project Friendship convoy with over $100,000 of brand new mattresses and sorely needed cleaning supplies and basic apparel arrived on Monday at sites in the towns of Whitesburg, KY, and Hazard, KY, which are the main distribution sites for the region.

The Project Friendship representatives the devastation with Congressman Hal Rogers and shared inspiration and encouragement with all they met. “We are here for you. Just tell us what you need and we will help find it and get it to you,” Rabbi Shlomo Litvin of Chabad told them.

Working with partners on the ground, including Rep. Angie Hatton, Mercy Chefs, and Rep. Chris Fugate, as well as Governor Beshears’s office and the National Guard, Chabad was able to quickly get these much-needed supplies to the people most affected by the disaster. More Shipments will fill needs later this week.

“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the flooding disaster in Kentucky,” Dadon said. “We send our sincere condolences to those who have tragically lost loved ones and wishes for a speedy recovery to all who have been impacted. At this difficult time, Israel stands with the people of Kentucky, and our Consulate is grateful to be able to join in an effort to offer some assistance to those in need.”

President Joe Biden responded to Governor Beshears’s request by designating the area a Disaster Emergency, launching federal funds to help the beleaguered region. At least 35 people have lost their lives in the storms. Community partners can join in the effort at ChabadKY.com/Donate

The Rabbis began planning the Charity cargo when word of the flooding emerged. “The Rebbe always focused, not just on humanity as a whole, but on each individual person,” said Rabbi Avrohom Litvin, Director of Chabad of Kentucky. “It is our responsibility to reach out to each and every person with love. Only then can our community heal.”