Community assistance

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“It’s about how we come together as a community, the importance of chesed. Feeling, caring, knowing what everyone has gone through. They need our help. We’ve tried to help in many aspects. At the end of the day, people are going to be faced with all kinds of hurdles--financial,” noted Rabbi Tzvi Ralbag, Morah D’Asrah of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok ( The Island Avenue shul). He spoke at a well-attended meeting Sunday night of his congregants, to raise money for the reestablished Community Assistance Fund.

“Everyone has to feel it. Everyone has to walk away saying ‘I’m going to help’,” stressed Rabbi Ralbag, before turning the floor over to Rabbi Yehiel Kalish, who explained the purpose of the fund, and elaborated about the phases and disbursement. Rabbi Kalish, who is National Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel, has taken time away from his usual duties at Agudath to mobilize efforts for the fund.

The Community Assistance Fund is under the auspices of Rabbi David Greenblatt, who manages the Davis Memorial Fund, that was initially established in 2007 in response to the meltdown of the economy. It is now newly reestablished in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which caused enormous devastation to our communities. “In just two weeks, the fund has raised $3 million dollars and millions have been raised in loans that will be made available,” noted Kalish.

The disbursement of monies from the fund, which has zero overhead and no bureacracy, is being administered by two individuals, Rabbi Greenblatt, a noted Gabbai Tzedukah, and Elisha Brecher, a corporate attorney who resides in Lawrence. Achiezer, the community resource and response organization, led by Rabbi Boruch Bender, is being used as a marketing tool to promote the Community Assistance Fund. Community Assistance Fund designees have been appointed in every shul and handle the requests in strict confidence. Every application gets vetted by Rabbi Greenblatt and Rabbi Brecher and endorsed by the applicant’s Rabbi.

To date, over $700,000 in checks have been disbursed, 40% to Far Rockaway and Bayswater, 40% to Cedarhurst and Woodmere, and the balance to other areas of the Five Towns and beyond. The disbursement, Kalish noted, will take place in two phases:

Phase 1.

For families that weren’t making it paycheck to paycheck prior to being affected by Hurricane Sandy, the fund immediately disburses $2,000 plus $200 per child, up to $3,000. This is to get families on track. “Just so that they can feel like a mensch,” expressed Kalish.

Phase 2

Getting families back into their homes is a lengthier process, and involves a reconciliation of their homeowners insurance, if any, and FEMA covers. After an analysis, the fund will disburse $10K - $15K per family, either by disbursement or in the form of a loan, depending on what their insurance covers.

“We expect there to be a phase 3 down the line. People are going to be displaced, some for as long as 6 – 9 – 12 months. We have met with the National Guard and FEMA to possibly obtain government mobile homes. This is going to be a challenge, but we have a responsibility to our community,” expressed Kalish, as he concluded his remarks. “If you can, write a check for now, and for next month. ”

“I’ve never seen a program where everyone’s on board, no cynicism, no detractors. Everyone is of one mind and one purpose,” said Elisha Brecher.

Steven Landau, who, along with his wife, Nechama, hosted the meeting, shared a personal experience:

“I was in the midst of dropping off an application and delivering checks when I saw a woman who had just picked up a check. She took two steps out of the door and opened the check, I saw a smile and tears. This broke my heart.”

Those seeking assistance should inquire with their shul representative. Donations can be made by accessing the Achiezer website or by writing a check to the Community Assistance Fund and giving it to their Rabbi. Additionally, those wanting to make a donation, please call Rabbi Kalish at (646) 408-1013 or by email YMKalish@gmail.com.