(Jewish Group) Jewish groups launch relief effort for Maui as island's Jews are among the evacuated

[Behind the Aegis]

Jewish groups in the United States and in Hawaii are launching relief efforts following the devastation caused by wildfires that have killed more than 50 people so far.

The wildfires have all but destroyed the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui, which Hawaii’s Jewish governor, Josh Green, toured on Thursday with Brian Schatz, the state’s Jewish senator.

“What we saw today was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history,” Green said in a statement.

The fires have had consequences for Hawaiians well beyond the fire zone.

“It’s with much gratitude and humility to share that the Jewish Congregation of Maui and its grounds are safe,” the non-denominational synagogue wrote on its website. “However, many in our community have lost their homes, businesses and also a loved one from the devastation of the fires.”


An aerial image shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon AFP via Getty Images)

This is heartbreaking. My friend, Solly Mack, posted Donations for Maui/Lahaina Fire Relief for Victims, to include pets/other animals.

[KewlKat]

1. World Central Kitchen requesting support

16,000 meals served in week since Hawaiʻi fires

Wildfires on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island and Maui have devastated communities—tragically they’ve become the deadliest blazes in the United States in more than a century. WCK’s Relief Team arrived to each island on Wednesday, quickly mobilizing to the hardest-hit areas. So far the team has provided more than 16,000 meals to first responders and families in need.

Donation LINK