Chabad of Salem: Local efforts to aid rescue In Nepal

Photo courtesy of Chabad.org

The world was struck with the news of one of the most catastrophic earthquakes in the last century, rocking the Richter scale with a 7.8 magnitude shake. While rescue attempts are still underway, over 7,000 lives have been claimed, many more still missing, and over 14,000 injured.

With a population of 27 million, Nepal has more displaced people than the means to take care of after the quake on April 25. An estimated 8 million have been affected, according to the United Nations, and over 70,000 houses destroyed. In a 2014 report published by the UN Development Program, the Nepalese economy was ranked 145 on a list of 187 countries. 

Despite its poor economy, it is rich in culture and has a thriving tourist industry. Home to the Himalayas and Mount Everest, Nepal has more than 240 peaks over 20,000 feet high. Accompanied by vast countryside and sprawling lakes, hikers and climbers from all over the world seek adventure in its lands. Many of those tourists are still missing, making this tragedy a worldwide affair.

Chabad Jewish Center of Salem is part of the international organization known as Chabad Lubavitch. With branches in 65 different countries, they head relief efforts for victims of disaster. They have been helping to send support and donations to their sister-location, Chabad of Nepal.

“It’s pretty amazing, the work they’re doing,” said Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchok Perlstein, co-director of Chabad of Salem. 

Just three weeks ago Rabbi Perlstein’s brother was in Nepal with Rabbi Chezky Lifshitz, co-director of Chabad of Nepal with wife Chani Lifshitz, celebrating the Jewish holiday Passover. The news of the quake has hit close to home, motivating Rabbi Perlstein to start a social media campaign collecting money to help the Lifshitz’s efforts. 

On April 29, Rabbi Lifshitz took a helicopter loaned by local authorities on a rescue mission to 50 Israelis stranded in a remote village with no food, water, or electricity. He was successfully able to airlift 25 survivors to Kathmandu and 25 others to intact villages in the Dhunche region.

“Because he has backing from communities all over the world, he has been able to pull resources even the government hasn’t been able to do,” said Rabbi Perlstein.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lifshitz has been feeding an average of 2,000 displaced persons a day at the Chabad House in Kathmandu. Many of them are sleeping in their facilities until they can locate family members. 

With phone lines still unstable, Mrs. Lifshitz’s Facebook page has become a bulletin for survivors. Some are posting their whereabouts announcing their safety, and others are posting pictures of their missing loved ones in hopes that someone has seen them. Daily updates to survivor lists are being made as new rescues are made.

“We’re trying in every way to reach people, to bring them to safety; in the air, at sea, on land, on motorcycles,” Mrs. Lifshitz wrote on her page.

With the threat of aftershocks still a possibility, the Lifshitz’s have stayed in the danger zone to help as many people as they can. Their three children have temporarily been taken in by Reuven Rivlin, president of Israel, while they continue working to make a bad situation better.

“Dear Chezky and Chani Lifshitz, thank you for your unbelievable and shining service. You are an example to all of us and an inspiration to humanity,” wrote Avraham Berkowitz on her Facebook page.

Donations can be made to both Chabad.org and the Red Cross.