Houston Synagogue damaged by flooding.Photo Source: http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Jewish-and-Israeli-groups-rally-to-help-hurricane-victims-in-Houston-504340
As demonstrated in our recent article, “Israeli aid group rushes to help flooded Houston,” Israel has reached out to aid Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey. In addition to the Israeli NGO IsraAid’s assistance to flood victims, the Israeli government announced that it will send an aid package of $1 million to aid Houston’s Jewish communities devastated by the hurricane.
The money will be used to restore the city’s Jewish Community Center, synagogues, and Jewish schools that were all damaged by flooding. In fact, according to the Times of Israel, three out of the five synagogues in Houston were impacted by major flooding. Further, 71% of Houston’s Jewish population (approx. 63,700) have experienced significant flooding in their communities.
Following the announcement, Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett stated, “For years the Jewish communities stood by Israel when it needed their help; now it is our turn to stand by Houston’s Jewish community.”
The aid package will be sent to the Israeli consulate in Houston and from there be distributed to the local community. Although it is estimated that $50-$100 billion worth of funds is required for the entire city to recover from the aftermath of Harvey, the $1 million of Israeli aid is particularly significant in that it demonstrates to the international community that Israel stands with Texas.
Sources:
Israel Approves $1 million in Aid for Houston Jews: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-approves-1-million-in-aid-for-houston-jews/
Bennet Quote: http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/In-rare-move-Israel-pledges-1m-in-aid-to-Houston-Jewish-communities-504190