More help for Knysna
Thousands of people have been displaced and some are left without clothing and food
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) heed a call and is extending its helping hand to the Knysna victims following the devastating wildfires last week in the Western Cape.
The board is among organisations that are providing relief and support to families affected by the fire that engulfed the Garden Route leaving many homeless and without necessities, such as clothing and food.
According to media reports, about 10 000 people were evacuated last week as fires – fanned by gale-force winds – tore through the area. Several people lost their lives.
Accompanied by Western Cape premier on 15 June, President Jacob Zuma described the scene as the “worst disaster I have ever experienced” while visiting the area.
Many organisations, including Caxton Media and the SAJBD, are providing relief which comprises groceries, clothing and other resourceful material to help the victims rebuild their lives.
Working closely with its Cape Town office and the Garden Route Jewish Association, the SAJBD assessed the needs of the communities and provided support.
In a statement issued on 15 June, head of communication at the SAJBD, Charisse Zeifert, said the board’s Cape Council is offering counselling and support to victims, while the monetary collection was used as required.
A packed truck including 1 000 jackets, 100 kettles, two pallets of toilet paper and over 250 cartons of goods, were reported to have left Johannesburg on Tuesday by Zeifert to help bring further relief to a devastated area of a Jewish community.
“Jewish students, under the Zionist Council and the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) will launch a stationery drive in response to the schools that burned down,” said Zeifert.
“A moving aspect of the relief efforts was a blanket drive initiated at Yeshiva College in the wake of a tragic accident that led to the untimely passing of Grade 8 pupil, Hugo Paluch.
“While Hugo was in the hospital, his class peers decided to do something meaningful on his behalf. Hugo’s passion for outreach programmes resulted in a social media blanket drive.”
Over 2 000 blankets were collected and a portion of them would be distributed to the victims of fires in Knysna at a date to be confirmed.
Details: www.jewishsa.co.za 011 645 2547
