On Memorial Day weekend/Shavuot, an unnamed rain storm hit Houston, inundating neighborhoods in and around the Braes Bayou. Hardest hit was the Jewish community, with hundreds of Jewish homes flooded and water significantly affecting three congregations. Several Jewish organizations were severely damaged by flood waters including United Orthodox Synagogue and the recently renovated JCC teen center, among others. Weeks into the cleanup, the situation remains overwhelming and frightening for those who lost cars, furniture, photographs and papers. The community is working hard towards rebuilding its infrastructure and moving forward.

Sadly, while the residents of Houston were still reeling from the aftermath of massive flooding with thousands of homes and vehicles destroyed and abandoned, on June 15th Tropical Storm Bill hit the same area. As we anxiously followed news updates about this second storm, we scheduled a special news briefing with Lee Wunsch, President & CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, to learn more about what the community is doing to help those impacted by the two storms, and how funders around the world can support those affected by this extreme weather in Texas.

To learn more about how you can help the residents of Houston, check out their website.