By COLlive reporter
The bodies of a 10-year-old and 4-year-old have been found at the site of the condominium building that collapsed on Thursday in Surfside, Florida, bringing the number of confirmed deaths to 18 people.
The announcement was made at a Wednesday afternoon press conference, CNN reported. A total of 145 people remain unaccounted for after 55 units of Champlain Towers South crashed to the ground.
Rain and thunderstorms arrived Wednesday and more are expected Thursday, only complicating the search and rescue mission that has been operating with a slew of law enforcement officials, experts and volunteers.
One of the people who has had a steady presence at the wreckage site is U.S. Senator Rick Scott, the former governor of Florida.
“My office continues its work to help coordinate the federal response, assist affected families and ensure the needs of this community are met,” he stated.
Senator Scott has been seen meeting with relatives waiting to hear news about their loved ones and providing a listening ear. “We must learn what happened and do what’s needed to prevent another tragedy,” he stated.
Governor Ron DeSantis has also visited the site, and has worked with the Senator and other officials to bring Israeli rescue teams to the United States to assist.
Accompanying Senator Scott on some of those daily visits is Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, Executive Director of Chabad of Tallahassee and Florida State University. A considerable number of people in the collapsed building are Jewish and many were eager to meet rabbinical leaders.
Throughout the entire time since the disaster, The Shul of Bal Harbour led by Shluchim Rabbi Sholom Ber and Chani Lipskar, as well as their son Rabbi Zalmen Lipskar, have been providing physical, moral and monetary support to victims, their families, and first responders.
“The Shul has been providing food and aid to the first responders, as well as food, lodging, and gift cards for necessities to the victims,” Rabbi Oirechman told COLlive.com.
“They have been arranging housing for those who have been displaced from their homes due to the collapse. Their round-the-clock kindness and dedication to serving others is beyond comprehension,” Rabbi Oirechman said.
Senator Scott and Rabbi Oirechman met with members of Chesed Shel Emes to discuss providing for and fully honoring the deceased as required by halacha (Jewish law). Scott, along with State Senator Jason Pizzo and the rabbis were able to ensure that the victims Aryeh Oliwkowicz and Ruth Oliwkowicz obm be laid to rest in the swiftest possible way and with the proper Kovod Hames.
“What Senator Scott is focused on is getting the families of the victims everything they need at this terrible time,” Rabbi Oirechman said. “He has promised that they will leave nothing unturned in their search for their loved ones.”
Senator Scott also met with members of FEMA and the Jewish Federation to ensure that that the families who are displaced and who have lost loved ones are being cared for and receiving all possible assistance.
He also was briefed by the IDF soldiers who have flown in from Israel to assist in the search and rescue operations. The IDF personnel have extensive experience in disaster operations, and have been working with engineers and search and rescuers on how to safely search through the rubble for victims.
Rabbi Oirechman says even during this difficult time, he’s seen incredible unity on the ground.
“It’s amazing to see that unity – politicians, law enforcement – everybody’s there to help, to do everything they can to save lives,” he said.
