Jul 7, 2021

Federation Is Helping Victims of the Surfside Tragedy

As search and rescue in Surfside has become a recovery operation, donor support is allowing Federation to provide emergency resources and assistance to those who have lost everything as well as the families of those who perished. The Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign creates a safety net of social services during times of crisis and day in and day out. We are working with our partner agency Jewish Community Services of South Florida, whose professionals are onsite providing crisis counseling and assessing needs. In addition, through Federation’s Emergency Fund for the Surfside Building Collapse, we have helped more than 90 individuals and families with direct, need-based financial assistance totaling more than $240,000. Grants and 233 gift cards thus far have helped survivors begin to immediately replace personal essential items such as clothes, toiletries, medication and cell phones and secure short- and long-term housing and transportation. This type of support provides the dignity and flexibility to purchase items they want rather than rely on donations of used items.

For survivors of the collapse, spiritual support is important as well. Federation’s Mishkan Miami: Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami have been working onsite counseling, consoling and listening to people as they process the catastrophe. For a week following the collapse, rabbis of all denominations rotated in the community to ensure someone is always available to speak or to listen. “We are still reeling from this tragedy and our chaplains and rabbis are trying to provide a sense of presence and peace as people navigate the chaotic feelings of grief and trauma,” said Rabbi Fred Klein, Director of Mishkan Miami. “We are guided by the fundamental Jewish value that no act of kindness is too small. All of us from all backgrounds are carrying out this mission to anyone around us.”