(JTA) — Much of a Reform Jewish summer camp has been wiped out by forest fires sweeping across Northern California.
The Union for Reform Judaism’s Camp Newman, an hour north of the San Francisco Bay, has been “mostly destroyed” by the fires burning in Sonoma and Napa counties, the camp posted on Facebook Tuesday evening. Camp staff have yet to be able to visit the area.
URJ Camp Newman’s sukkah, seen on Oct. 6, 2017. By Oct. 9, wildfires had destroyed most of the camp. (Facebook)
Camp is not in session, and everyone living at the campsite — along with its Torah scrolls — were rescued before the fires reached the camp.
At least 10 people have died in the forest fires that blazed across the area Monday. At least 15 fires are burning in eight counties. Some 20,000 people have evacuated their homes and 1,500 buildings have been destroyed.
“As many of you may have heard, since 10pm last night, forest fires have been burning in Sonoma and Napa counties,” the camp’s post read. “It is with tremendous shock and sadness that we share that the majority of the buildings at our beloved Camp Newman home have been destroyed.”
The camp moved to the site in 1997 and dedicated a $4 million building last year, according to J., the Jewish News of Northern California. It serves 1,400 children.
In a Facebook post, the camp advised area residents in need of water or power to visit a nearby Reform synagogue, Congregation Shomrei Torah.
“Most importantly, we take great comfort in knowing that all of our staff are safe,” the post said. “We are so grateful to the first responders and firefighters who attempted to save our camp buildings. We are keeping these heroic and hardworking people in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to work to protect the people and the places in our Camp Newman neighborhood, for whom we will continue to pray.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
