In times of need, the Jewish community comes together. Not just to care for own, but to respond to crises that affect everyone. And we are uniquely positioned to act, because we’ve built the infrastructure and foundation—as a dedicated and united community—to respond with immediacy and resolve.
Right now, in California, that means making sure people who’ve lost everything in the wildfires have a place to sleep, food to eat, and clean air to breathe.
It means turning synagogues into shelters and stepping up to help rebuild when communities literally go up in smoke.
It means making sure kids aren’t playing in playgrounds full of ash, and that they have a safe space to heal.
The devastation caused by wildfires in and around Los Angeles has left tens of thousands displaced, taken lives, and destroyed entire communities. Among those affected are Jewish families, clergy, and congregations who have lost homes, synagogues, and places of gathering. The fires remain active, and mandatory evacuation orders continue to affect thousands of families.
Despite these challenges, local Jewish communities are stepping up in remarkable ways. Synagogues are hosting displaced families, providing space for lifecycle events, and serving as hubs for relief efforts.
Our colleagues at Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Ventura County, and San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys are tirelessly coordinating with FEMA and other faith-based organizations. There is no capacity currently to accommodate outside volunteers or accept unsolicited water, food, clothing, hygiene, and medical supplies. So, do not send anything or anyone at this time.
Here’s how you can help:
Our Wildfire Crisis Relief Fund enables us to send help right now to mobilize resources to Jewish Federations in the greater Los Angeles area. Donations to this fund can provide critical resources like:
- Emergency Cash Assistance: Direct financial support to impacted families through area rabbis’ discretionary funds.
- Social Services & Grants: Expanded services and emergency grants via Jewish Family Services and the Hebrew Free Loan Association.
- Community Support: Organizing pop-up camps and replacing ash-contaminated sand in preschool sandboxes to ensure safe play environments.
- Trauma Relief: Offering counseling and support to help families and communities process the emotional toll.
Together, we care, we prepare, and we respond:
Here at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, we mobilized swiftly to support relief efforts. Our Wildfire Crisis Relief Fund raised more than $30,000 in just days, contributing to a collective effort of more than $2 million from federations across North America. Additionally, our Board of Trustees approved $25,000 from our emergency allocations fund to provide critical assistance on the ground.
When tragedy strikes, time makes the difference between life and death. The quicker we can respond, the more lives we can save. These emergency allocations were made possible because of your support of the UJA Annual Campaign, which ensures we have immediate resources to act without delay—even before an emergency fund is set up.
But to keep saving lives, we need to replenish it, so that we can be ready for the next crisis—wherever and whenever it may be.
Whether helping wildfire victims in California, supporting Ukraine, or addressing urgent needs in Israel, your generous donations to our 2025 UJA Annual Campaign enable swift, effective responses to crises near and far.
We can be the light that helps others through their darkest hours. Donate here