Aug 25, 2021

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Announces a Groundbreaking Partnership With Shul of Bal Harbour, EZS Events and Hatzalah of South Florida to Benefit Surfside Tragedy Victims

Immediately following the catastrophic collapse of Surfside’s Champlain Towers South condominium on June 24, 2021, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation embarked on an emergency campaign to raise funds to assist those who were impacted by the disaster. To date, more than $2.3 million has been received from 9,000 contributors and grants have already been made to nearly 150 individuals and families totaling more than $670,000.

Federation’s response — in full collaboration with our primary human services agency, Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) — will receive a tremendous boost following the decision by The Shul of Bal Harbour, EZS Events and Hatzalah of South Florida to contribute $1 million of the funds they raised to Federation’s community-wide effort. The addition of these funds will significantly increase the community’s capacity to provide financial support and social services to individuals and families impacted by the deadly tragedy. 100% of the funds will be used for direct support to individuals and families struggling with the financial impact of this disaster.

“The Shul of Bal Harbour, EZS Events and Hatzalah of South Florida share Federation’s determination to respond in the most effective and efficient manner possible to the significant trauma and deep financial losses experienced by survivors and families of those who lost their lives,” said Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Jacob Solomon. “This historic collaboration will expand our efforts to bring a measure of healing and relief to a population still grieving and dislocated from the harrowing Champlain Towers South catastrophe.”

The $1 million donation was raised in a fundraising campaign through the Chesed Fund and spearheaded by The Shul of Bal Harbour, EZS Events and Hatzalah of South Florida. Dedicated exclusively to responding to the Champlain Towers South tragedy, this appeal generated $1.5 million from 13,000 donors from around the world. EZS Events is led by three young volunteers — Efraim Stefansky, Zushie Litkowski and Svia Bension — who came together to organize a grassroots campaign to respond to the building collapse. Hatzalah of South Florida was extremely active in the weeks following the disaster providing on-site medical assistance and support to families, first-responders and others working in the area. Representing Hatzalah of South Florida, Andre Roitman said, “In the face of an unprecedented disaster, the South Florida community stepped up in an extraordinary manner joining the efforts of local organizations to offer help. This raised the bar on the significance of the word community."

The Shul of Bal Harbour, under the leadership of Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, provided around-the-clock spiritual counseling, volunteers, food and material goods in support of the victims of the collapse and the entire community. In Rabbi Lipskar’s words, “Together with the extraordinary expression of kindness that was so necessary — and literally above and beyond — this underscores the benefits and qualities of total unity among organizations and among all of us regardless of background and environment. It is a true sanctification of Hashem’s name and an expression of selfless love.”

Federation and JCS continue to provide survivors and families of all races and religions with a complete continuum of care, crisis counseling and housing referrals. JCS is uniquely qualified to identify and respond to needs resulting from the collapse, as it has been designated as the primary case management agency by the coalition of charitable organizations and government agencies coordinating the crisis response effort. In this role, JCS is directing and guiding victims of the collapse to appropriate sources of assistance, while providing psychological counseling and other support. This collaboration will enable individuals to access help through a single intake procedure, simplifying the process and providing for a more streamlined experience for individuals and families.

JCS Board Chair Jonathan Raiffe noted, “Our JCS team is very grateful for the substantial support from our community as we continue to provide experienced and compassionate safety-net services to families impacted by the Surfside tragedy. The confidence we have from our community partners and generous donors from across the country makes it possible for the JCS professional team to care for our Surfside clients and address their unique needs in a culturally sensitive manner.”

The following individuals may be eligible to receive financial support and social services from this fund:

• Residents and occupants of Champlain Towers South at the time of the collapse

• Families of deceased residents and occupants of Champlain Towers South

• Employees of Champlain Towers South who lost their jobs

Federation has absorbed all administrative costs associated with this effort. As a result, 100 percent of all donations, including this new grant of $1 million, will be used to aid those affected.

If you or someone you know requires financial assistance, food, counseling, bereavement support or help with other challenges related to the Champlain Towers South collapse, we encourage you or them to reach out to JCS Access Services at 305.576.6550 or directly to a JCS case manager if one has already been assigned. They will connect you to a professional case manager who will provide ongoing support and guide you through the recovery process.