Shavua Tov dear friends. I hope your Shabbat was restful and restorative.
Like you, I was startled by the headlines this evening about the absolutely devastating tornadoes in Kentucky and in neighboring states today, which have left at least 70 and likely many more dead. The human tragedy and loss is enormous. Our sympathies go to the hundreds of families who have been directly impacted, and we send strength to all of the disaster relief workers who are responding. The American Red Cross is already on the scene, and is asking for support.
I will also suggest that we each take a moment to visit the website of Nechama: Jewish Response to Disaster , which has been organizing and representing our people on the ground for years now, providing relief after natural disasters all over the country. Even during Covid, when the CDC has been limiting the activities of volunteer organizations in disaster areas, Nechama has continued to find ways to, in their words, "not stand idly by", and to bring comfort and assistance in any way they can. We can strengthen their work with our contributions.
Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear said earlier today, "this is is the most devastating , most deadly tornado event in Kentucky's history." The National Weather Service is expected to analyze the data from today's tornadoes to determine whether we have witnessed the longest "long-track" tornado in US history. While we bear in mind that no single weather event can definitively be ascribed to climate change, with "historic" weather events now tragically commonplace we must regard today's tornadoes as another reminder of the urgency with which our government and world governments need to act to reduce emissions. Our world, and the people who will be living in it are depending upon our using our political freedom and our political power to make our voices heard on the most critical issue of our era.
May God be with all who are struggling tonight.
Yosef
