Shluchim Providing Critical Aid to LA Wildfire Victims

Rabbi Dovid Weiss and Rabbi Mendy Piekarski, Shluchim in Topanga, CA, which has been ravaged by the Los Angeles Wildfires, shared a message of support and hope on MSNBC.

During the interview, they related how they safely evacuated the children from the preschool to their families, and evacuated the Shul’s Sifrei Torah.

Thankfully, their Chabad House hasn’t been touched by the fires. Please assist in their efforts to help the victims. charidy.com/topangafire

If you or someone you know needs help during this difficult time, please reach out to us at 310-455-1597. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

A Blaze Ignites and Spreads Rapidly

On Tuesday morning, at approximately 10:30 A.M., a fire broke out in Palisades, and started heading towards Topanga. Fueled by fierce wind conditions, the fire spread with alarming speed, even by California wildfire standards. Within a few hours, our entire community faced mandatory evacuation orders, triggering a massive exodus that clogged the streets heading out—the primary route away from the fire and toward safety.

Immediate Action: Ensuring Shelter for All As the chaos unfolded, our first priority was to ensure that every community member had a safe place to stay. We quickly organized “shidduchim” between those forced to evacuate from the north and community members living further south, away from the fire’s path. The Chabad House, strategically located in the middle of these areas, became a critical hub for coordinating relief efforts. Many evacuees found refuge at the Chabad House itself, while others were hosted in the homes of our shluchim or generous community members.

Adapting to Evolving Needs
By Wednesday morning, it became evident that shelter alone wasn’t enough. Families needed food, water, and essentials.

Recognizing this, we started sending and delivering food packages to residents in and out of Topanga.

People were so grateful to receive the nutrients they desperately needed.

A Day in the Disaster Zone
Another thing that happened yesterday was canvassing the neighborhood. All day, the rabbis and volunteers went through the actual disaster zones—where fires were literally blazing—to assist in several critical ways:
Putting out fires
Distributing meals
Reporting on the status of people’s homes
Providing relief to firefighters, including any supplies they needed
Their courageous efforts ensured that both residents and first responders received vital support during this harrowing time.

A Community United
In the face of adversity, our Chabad community has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and unity. From opening homes to providing meals and emotional support, everyone has stepped up to ensure that no one feels alone during this difficult time. The Chabad House remains at the heart of these efforts, serving as a beacon of light and hope for all those affected by the wildfire.

Looking Ahead As the fire continues to be monitored and emergency services work tirelessly to contain it, our community’s commitment to one another remains steadfast. Whether through offering shelter, sharing resources, or simply providing a space for connection, we will continue to support one another as we navigate this crisis together.

How You Can Help The needs of our community are great, and your support can make an enormous difference. Every contribution helps us extend our reach and maintain the vital services that so many families are relying on during this crisis.

Please contribute today at charidy.com/topangafire. Together, we can help our community rebuild and move forward with strength and unity.

VIDEO