In my last blog post, I wrote about the Chabad and its mission to help women with a focus on mothers, from all walks of Jewish life understand the concept of unconditional love and how it translates into a religious context. I mention Chabad once again, but this time in the face of a natural disaster.
Once again, unfortunately, Jewish organizations are responding to a world plea to help the earthquake victims in China. The Chabad is one major Jewish organization with a mission – to help all Jews in need. It is during sad times like these that make me feel very proud to be a Jew.
A colleague of mine who lives in the province of Chengdu passed on an email describing how the Rabbi of the Chabad in Hong Kong organized blankets and basic needs. Hospitals called for help and with their available funds, he organized a squad in a very short time, to provide as much as possible.
He drove a car to places from around Chengdu that do not have a place to live to give clothes, water, food and help them to build a shelter. Many Chinese are happy to hear that there is Jewish organization that cares and helps their nation during these days.
The Israelis who live in Chengdu city organized a place on a main street and asked people to contribute basic needs as well.Two Israeli girls who were missing among the rubble, were thankfully found due to the tireless efforts of local jewish community members.
This is my calling as well. I feel I need to help in whatever way i can despite that I am thousands of miles away. Thousands have died and many are injured.
Are you interested in getting involved in this effort? The community would be most grateful if a member or two of your Jewish community would come forward as volunteers to coordinate this effort. This is a true mitzva.