The congregation at a North Miami Beach synagogue has opened its doors to accept donations that they'll be sending to Israel amid the battle with Hamas.
Skylake Synagogue looked like a factory of emergency supplies Tuesday afternoon as a steady stream of people arrived with bags and carts full of items all to ship to Israel.
The response was so overwhelming that Skylake Synagogue extended its hours to continue taking collections.
The synagogue is collecting hygiene products, sleeping bags, batteries and other items that will mostly go to army bases in Israel. They’re most in need of medical supplies, over-the-counter medications and personal hygiene products. The synagogue is also asking for volunteers to help sort the items that are donated.
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Rabbi Ariel Yeshurun put out the call for donations and the word spread through chat groups. He said the response in South Florida has been overwhelming.
“I think it’s a great testimony to the Jewish community in Miami, to the greater community in Miami really, that they came together in support of the Jewish people in the state of Israel,” Rabbi Yeshurun said.
Yeshurun said they've partnered with international organizations to ship the items.
"The one transporting is called Cadena, Cadena is a world relief organization, and we partner with them when it comes to the shipping of the items and on the ground in Israel are two Israel organizations, they will be doing the distribution in Israel," he said.
Skylake Synagogue will continue taking donations from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. this week and into next week. Monetary donations are also being accepted and anyone who prefers to send money can do so through Zelle with the account skylakeshul@gmail.com.
Sarah Akiba was one of hundreds who answered the call.
“I have family there, I have friends there I have my boyfriend’s best friends that are like his brothers fighting for us right now so this is all that we can do from back home,” Akiba said.
Meanwhile, at Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, a project was underway before the war broke out to raise $115,000 to send an ambulance to Israel.
After the news of the Hamas terrorist attack, more than 80 individual donations poured in in one day.
“In a span of about 12 hours we raised an additional $80,000 give or take and the ambulance is on its way,” said Rabbi Jonathan Berkun.
The American Friends of Magen David Adom said they’re still in need of 300 more ambulances.
“We’ve actually lost two medics that were treating patients since the beginning of the war, we’ve had three ambulances destroyed,” said Jessica Nessim.
On Tuesday, kids also showed up to help the best way they know how, by writing letters of encouragement to Israeli soldiers thousands of miles away telling them to stay safe and reminding them how much they’re appreciated.
