Our hearts are in Miami this Shabbat as we pray for those affected by the tragedy at Champlain Towers South in Surfside, FL during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 24, 2021. Many in our Houston community have friends and loved ones in the area and our entire community sends a refuah shlema, to all who are suffering.

Our colleagues and friends at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation have opened an emergency assistance fund for the short- and long-term needs of the families who lost loved ones, and those who were injured or remain missing. 

We encourage you to support their efforts if you are able.
The Federation and its partners — Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) and Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support — will provide financial assistance, chaplaincy support, crisis counseling and social services to people impacted by this tragedy.

Unfortunately, this is yet another example of the indispensable role that our Federations play in supporting and protecting our Jewish communities in North America. The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is in touch with the Miami Federation to determine what additional assistance we might provide at this time. 

For updated information about the tragedy including rescue, and response efforts, please click here.