Federation Launches Tornado Recovery Drive

Our partner Jewish Federation in Birmingham has launched a Tornado Recovery Drive to help those affected by last week's deadly storms and tornadoes. We encourage you to make a gift to support their cause. Click here and enter "Tornado Recovery" in the comments. They sent out the following report:

BJF LAUNCHES TORNADO RECOVERY DRIVE

In the aftermath of the deadly storms and tornadoes that hit our region Wednesday, The Birmingham Jewish Federation is continuing to respond to the enormous needs facing our metro area.

Though there was relatively little damage to our Jewish community and Jewish institutions, The BJF has been raising emergency relief funds, working with other community agencies, fielding inquiries and recruiting volunteers to help the broader Birmingham community.

"Fortunately, much of our Jewish community was minimally affected by the storms, though we have received some calls for assistance," Collat Jewish Family Services Executive Director Lauren Perlman reported Thursday.

The devastation and death in Alabama and other parts of the South have created an outpouring of support and messages via email, Facebook, telephone and other means. Messages and expressions of concern have come from friends throughout the country and in Israel as well.

Many of those came from representatives of other Jewish Federations wanting to know what they could do to help. Two of our national organizations, Jewish Federations of North America and Jewish Council for Public Affairs, were in touch with The BJF immediately to assess the situation.

"The outpouring has been amazing," said BJF Community Relations Director Joyce Spielberger, who is coordinating our Federation's tornado response. "To know we have so many friends who are willing to help is a comfort and is much appreciated."

"TO OUR DEAR FRIENDS"

Emails came Thursday from two people in Israel, each connected with agencies that respond to tragedy and receive funding from The BJF Campaign.

"To our dear friends in Birmingham, our hearts go out to your community in the wake of the devastating storms that claimed so many lives. I know all your efforts will be quick, practical and go to the heart of the matter," wrote Ruth Bar-On, Executive Director of Selah, an agency that helps new immigrants to Israel deal with tragedy. "Congratulations for mobilizing so swiftly. We are thinking of the bereaved."

"Wow. If there's anything we can do to help your community, please let us know," wrote Sherri Mandell, a well-known Israeli author and co-founder of The Koby Mandell Foundation which helps Israelis who've lost loved ones to terror.

Here in Alabama countless people continue to be saddened by the staggering loss of life and widespread destruction, while at the same time being deeply grateful that they survived the onslaught.

TWO-THIRDS FROM ALABAMA

The Associated Press reported Friday that at least 297 people were killed across six states -- including 210 in Alabama.

"The death toll from Wednesday's storms seems out of a bygone era, before Doppler radar and pinpoint satellite forecasts were around to warn communities of severe weather," AP added. "Residents were told the tornadoes were coming up to 24 minutes ahead of time, but they were just too wide, too powerful and too locked onto populated areas to avoid a horrifying body count."

To help the Birmingham area recover, The BJF has initiated a Tornado Recovery Fund to allow donors to participate in the rebuilding effort. Checks may be sent to The Birmingham Jewish Federation, PO 130219, Birmingham, AL, 35213. Please mark them for "Tornado Recovery." In addition, contributions can be made by going to the below link. Please indicate in the comments section that your contribution is for Tornado Recovery.

Meanwhile, donations started to come in even as the fund was being established. "We are so blessed that we weren't harmed," wrote one Jewish community member who committed $500. "We could be paying a huge deductible right now and facing all of the aggravation that comes with it. And most importantly, we are alive and well."

HELPING ALL

The BJF, which helps all people in times of crisis, has been in contact with the United Way of Central Alabama to join Birmingham's recovery effort. We will be working in coordination with United Way, other Birmingham community agencies, our congregations and Collat Jewish Family Services. One-hundred percent of the money raised by The BJF will be allocated for needs in coordination with United Way and these other community agencies.

"We are fortunate that Harry Brown, United Way's Senior VP-Planning & Initiatives, is a member of our BJF Board of Directors. It heightens the coordination and efficiency of the process," said Joyce.

Joyce and representatives of other Birmingham area community agencies participated in a conference call convened by United Way Thursday to develop a coordinated community response. Needs are still being assessed and determining the extent of the damage could take several more days.

The BJF encourages all who can to join the relief effort by donating and/or volunteering.

"Responding to those in need is part of who we are as Jews and our commitment to tikkun olam -- repairing our world," said Joyce. "Our physical and financial participation in community efforts can have a great impact for so many in need."