New York, NY – The West Side COJO, in conjunction with the Shuls of the West Side and the West Side Kollel, is holding a fundraiser for the benefit of the people who have suffered from Hurricane Sandy. The “Morning of Inspiration” program will be held on Thursday, November 22nd at the Young Israel of the West Side, located at 210 W91st Street, at 9:40AM. Featured Speakers include noted public personalities Rabbi Efraim Waxman, Rabbi Pesach Krohn and Rabbi Don Blumberg.
The goal of this event is to raise at least one million dollars for individuals who have suffered devastating losses due to the storm. Over $750,000 has already been pledged and it is hoped that that this event will inspire the community to meet and beat the target amount. The distribution committee will be consulting with local Rabbis, Misaksim, Hatzalah, and lay leaders to determine how best to help the identified individuals.
“We are heartbroken by the suffering of our brothers and want to show that we care and that we are making efforts to help out in this time of need,” said Sam Domb, noted philanthropist and the inspiration behind this initiative.
Proceeds from the relief effort will be distributed by a committee of West Side Rabbonim and lay leaders. Michael Landau, Chairman of the COJO, explained that the goal is to assist as many of the victims as possible. To do so, they intend to work with affected community Rabbis and Organizations such as Met Council, Achiezer and affected yeshivas to determine applicants in need.
“We are extremely grateful for the efforts of the West Side COJO and the Shuls of the West Side,” said William E. Rapfogel, Met Council CEO (www.metcouncil.org). “Proceeds from this event will go directly towards serving the critical needs of our clients who are hurting and desperately want to get on the road to recovery. It is an inspiration to see communities come together to lend a hand to their fellow New Yorkers. I hope other communities are encouraged to join together in this way, so that they may have an equally huge impact on the lives of their neighbors in need.”
From the beginning of the storm relief efforts, the West Side Synagogues have been at the forefront of volunteer efforts, as well as food and clothing drives. Buses from the West Side Jewish Center, Ohav Zedek and Lincoln Square Synagogue filled with volunteers have been a regular sight in communities such as Long Beach and Bel Harbor, as well as numerous loaded trucks with desperately needed supplies from the community shtiebels.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
