Following the flood disaster in eastern Kentucky, the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States partnered with Project Friendship, the social services arm of Chabad of Kentucky, to facilitate aid to those who were forced to evacuate disaster areas across five counties in eastern Kentucky due to flooding. Over $100,000 worth of new mattresses and humanitarian supplies were shipped to Kentucky and distributed directly to residents.
This is the second humanitarian relief mission by the State of Israel to Kentucky over the past year, the first being in December when Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon brought disaster relief supplies focused on affected school children after the sequence of tornadoes that damaged the western part of the state. The Consulate General is currently in conversations with Governor Beshear’s office and is monitoring the developing situations to identify where more relief or humanitarian effort might be needed.
Anat-Sultan Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, said:
“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the flooding disaster in Kentucky. We send our sincere condolences to those who have tragically lost loved ones and wishes for a speedy recovery to all who have been impacted. When we were last in Kentucky following the devastating tornadoes, we were greatly impressed by the strength of spirit, resilience and resolve of the people to help their fellow Kentuckians. At this difficult time, Israel stands with the people of Kentucky, and our Consulate is grateful to be able to join Chabad of Kentucky to provide some assistance to those currently experiencing difficulties.”
Rabbi Shlomo Litvan along with Rabbi Avraham Litvan coordinated efforts on the ground with various organizations and individuals including the National Guard, Mercy Chefs Congressman Hal Rogers and State Representative Chris Fugate.
Rabbi Shlomo Litvan said:
“The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught to cherish the individual. We are thankful to the Consulate General of Israel, who joined us in the effort to show such compassion to each and every person we can. It’s impossible to explain the moment when we greet a family and say, Shalom, we are rabbis from Chabad, in partnership with the State of Israel. How can we help?”
