In late August, Hurricane Irene whipped across the East Coast of the United States and Canada, leaving over $10 billion in damage, dozens of deaths and thousands of lost homes and businesses in her wake. Flooding devastated agricultural lands and communities from North Carolina to Vermont in the days following the storm and communities are still assessing the impact.

Fortunately, the direct impact of the storm on URJ congregations and member families has been minimal. The URJ is working with our congregations in Woodstock and Brattleboro, VT, to bring relief to those communities, where the flooding was particularly devastating.

Sadly, it is always the most vulnerable who bear the brunt of the storm’s impact. Those without flood insurance or the wherewithal to rebuild ruined homes and businesses will feel the effects of Irene for years to come. Long after the media moves on to other stories, there will be tremendous needs to be met in these communities.

With your support the URJ will continue to provide relief to these desperate families as we have done for victims of natural disasters around the world. Together we can provide hope and help to those in need.

U.S. Donations can be made online to the URJ Hurricane Relief Fund or by mail:

Hurricane Relief Fund
Union for Reform Judaism
633 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10017