November 10, 2018
Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that we share the following information with you:
We are heartbroken to let you know that the fire did reach Shalom Institute and there is damage to the facility. We do not yet know the extent of the damage but it appears to be significant. Once we have more information and can assess the situation further, we will share more.
We know this news is upsetting to hear and we share your sadness. Camp is magical, but its magic transcends the buildings and structures. The magic comes from the loving community that we create when we are together. Though these losses may be painful, we know that the memories, friendships and joy that this place brings to so many lives on.
As we shared in our previous update, our staff, animals and torahs were all safely evacuated yesterday, and we are thankful for this.
We would like you to join us for a community gathering so we can be together at this difficult time. Please join us tomorrow:
Sunday, November 11 at 7:00 pm
at de Toledo High School
22622 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307
Please be assured that though this news is difficult, we are prepared to move forward to do whatever it takes to ensure the camp magic continues.
Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help. We will be in touch when we have a more complete picture of what is needed.
We are so grateful to you, our community, for all your love and good wishes that you have shared with us during this time. This place is meaningful to so many of us because you have made it so.
Our deepest thanks to the extraordinary firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives and property. Our hearts are with the others in our community who have sustained losses.
It has been a difficult week. As the sun sets tonight we wish everyone a
Shavua Tov
, a good week, a new week that brings strength and peace to all.
B’Shalom,
