Jewish groups pitch in to aid Mexican victims of hurricane

NEW YORK, Oct. 13 (JTA) — Relief is on its way to the hundreds of Mexican residents devastated by Hurricane Pauline, thanks in part, to several Jewish groups. “It is incumbent upon us as Jews,” especially during the High Holiday season “to reach out to those in need,” B’nai B’rith International President Tommy Baer said in a statement announcing his organization’s relief efforts. B’nai B’rith is raising funds to purchase basic essentials such as food, water and medicine. The Comite Central Israelita, an umbrella group representing Jews in Mexico, is collecting bottled water, powdered milk, food, blankets and clothing. Hurricane Pauline, which has claimed over 200 lives and left many others homeless, is one of the worst natural disasters in Mexico’s history. One of the hardest hit areas is the resort town of Acapulco. Rabbi Mendel Polichenco, the Chabad rabbi in Mexico, who is collecting relief supplies on behalf of the Comite Central, said there is no real Jewish community in Acapulco and most Jews go there for vacation or for a few months out of the year. Susy Norton, a spokeswoman for Comite Central, said there are three or four Jewish families who live in Acapulco year-round and they came through the hurricane unscathed. To make a monetary donation send a check designated for Hurricane Pauline to: B’nai B’rith Center for Community Action 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036
To donate clothes, blankets, and other essentials, send them to: Lubavitch – Baja California, Mexico P.O. Box 432989 San Ysidro, CA 92143