By Sruly Meyer – COLlive
In the midst of the raging wildfires that have enveloped Kelowna, British Columbia, with tens of thousands evacuated from their homes and the city grappling with the worst air quality in the world, Rabbi Shmuel Hecht and his wife Fraidy of Chabad of Okanagan have emerged as beacons of hope, mobilizing their community and beyond to provide much-needed assistance to those affected by the catastrophe.
Tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders across the Canadian province of British Columbia and firefighters battled raging wildfires throughout Canada on Sunday, in a region known as a summer destination for families.
Officials said they could not predict when residents would be allowed to return to their homes, although “some may be coming back to nothing” when evacuees are allowed to return, fire officials said.
Rabbi Shmuel and Fraidy Hecht established Chabad of Okanagan 14 years ago, dedicating themselves to serving their community. Now, faced with a personal tragedy enveloping their city, they have risen to the occasion, demonstrating the true essence of community support.
“My wife Fraidy and I have been on the phone working to reach everyone in our community to ensure they are safe and to provide assistance wherever we can,” Rabbi Hecht told COLlive.com. “All day yesterday, all night last night, midnight, 1am, 2am, 3am, all day today, we’ve been calling everyone we can to offer guidance, support, hope and comfort in different ways.”
The Shluchim have mobilized their community, working together with a group of volunteers to help in different ways – hosting families, providing food and so on.
The Hechts’ Chabad center is located at the heart of the disaster, while it was thank G-d untouched by flames, it has been enveloped by the dense smoke and toxic air.
With the fires raging, their first objective was reaching out to each member of their community, the Hechts said, to ensure their safety and help them prepare to evacuate if necessary. For hours, the Shluchim and volunteers were tirelessly making calls to provide crucial information to those in the line of danger.
Their second step involved rallying the community to open their doors to those in need. A network of families stepped forward, willingly offering their homes as havens for evacuees who have no idea when they will be allowed back to their homes – and if their homes still remain.
“We’re hosting people in the Chabad house, and working to find homes for anyone who needs,” Rabbi Hecht said.
The third and ongoing effort focuses on the tangible support required by those who have been displaced by the fires. Recognizing the pressing needs of these families, the Hechts have initiated an effort to collect essential items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, dog food, baby wipes, toys for children, pillows, and crucially – fresh bread.
In a heartening display of unity, Rabbi Hecht has spearheaded the collection of thousands of loaves of bread and packaged goods, all designated for survivors and their host families. These care packages not only provide physical necessities but also stand as a testament to the strength of a community united in times of adversity.
As Rabbi Shmuel and Fraidy navigate this crisis, their actions exemplify the spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity that defines the essence of Chabad. In the face of nature’s fury, they are guiding their community towards a path of hope and recovery, showcasing that even amidst the darkest of times, the light of humanity can shine brilliantly.
If you would like to become a partner in helping our community please go to:
http://Www.JewishOkanagan.com/fire
Same guy from 20+ years ago. Amazing