Fellow NFTYites and friends of URJ Youth,

Hurricane Harvey has already had an impact on the lives of over 2.3 million people living in eastern Texas and has made it’s way towards Louisiana. As you likely know, people of all faiths, race, gender, and status, are being hurt by the destructive natural forces of the hurricane. Members of our own community are both among those affected, as well as leaders in the support efforts. As we watch the devastation of Hurricane Harvey unfold, I urge you to take action in providing relief to these families who must rebuild their lives after being subjected to something out of their control

Right now, the most effective way to help is by making a financial contribution to those directly affected by Hurricane Harvey:

• Donations to the URJ’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund will support the work of NFTY-TOR’s own URJ Greene Family Camp, as well as that of other community partners.
• URJ Greene Family Camp is also collecting gift cards from major national retailers, such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, as well as the two major grocery stores in the area, Kroger and H-E-B. These gift cards will assist in meeting immediate needs and expenses for families who must replenish everything they once owned. You can send gift cards (of any amount) to:
  URJ Greene Family Camp
  1192 Smith Lane
  Bruceville, TX 76630
• We also recommend donations to the Jewish Federations of North America Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, NECHAMA: A Jewish Response to Disaster, and The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund of the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Additionally, SAFTY, the youth group from Temple Beth-El of San Antonio, has designed stickers that can be sold at regional events. All proceeds will be going to flood relief efforts. We encourage every region to look at what steps they can take and to work with their local synagogues to send relief in any way. Please know that any amount that you or your region can raise is a step in the right direction.

In times of need for these communities, All parts of the URJ have come together and are asking you to do the most. This goes beyond just a share or a retweet. From providing support yourself or rallying your own community to donate to this cause, we must truly help those in need.. When we work together, we make lasting change.

NFTY and Mitzvah Corps will continue to keep you updated on our collective efforts, funds raised, and ways to support the flood relief. From education to advocacy to mobilizing your peers, you can use your voice to inspire others to join this cause.

Thank you, as always, for being our partner in progress.

L’shalom,

Zachary Herrmann, NFTY President

on behalf of the NFTY North American Board