Jewish communities in southeastern Texas mobilize to deal with effects of Hurricane Harvey

Jewish organizations in areas struck by Hurricane Harvey are gearing up to offer support to victims. 

By: Barney Breen-Portnoy/The Algemeiner

Jewish communities in southeastern Texas are rallying to deal with the effects of Hurricane Harvey, which has left a swath of destruction in the region.

Chabad Coastal Bend — which is based in Corpus Christi, near where Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Friday night — said it was “gearing up to provide essential relief to our friends and neighbors who have been severely impacted.”

“Volunteers are being fielded to provide critical supplies such as water, generators, gift cards from home repair stores and support to the residents in the hardest hit areas of Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Rockport and the surrounding areas,” it continued. “Please donate in any way you can. We are in need of supplies and funds to ensure we can help as many people as possible and as soon as possible.”

Houston — home to a large Jewish population — is experiencing heavy flooding from Harvey as it lingers in the area, now as a tropical storm.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston stated on Sunday, “Parts of our community have been impacted by the severe weather of the past two days. We are working with our partner agencies to assess the current situation in our community and determine priority on action items.”

“We will communicate out as soon as we know how best to move forward in the short and long-term,” it went on to say. “If you are concerned about your safety or in immediate danger, contact local authorities. Stay safe and exercise caution in the coming days as rain and inclement weather conditions are expected to continue.”