Federations Kick Off Fundraising Push for Louisiana Flood Victims

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By Andrew Silow-Carroll August 19, 2016

— North America’s Jewish federations are seeking donations to assist the Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge in providing relief to victims of flooding that has devastated southern Louisiana.

Relentless rains and high waters have claimed more than a dozen lives so far; more than 30,000 people have been rescued since last Friday. At least 40,000 homes have been damaged and 20 parishes have been declared federal disaster areas, according to Nola.com.

Staff members from the Baton Rouge federation and many from the local Jewish community were among those forced to flee, according to the Jewish Federations of North America, which established the Baton Rouge Flood Relief Fund.

Baton Rouge’s newly opened Chabad House also launched an emergency fundraising campaign for those affected by the massive floods.

Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor in chief of the New York Jewish Week and senior editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. He previously served as JTA’s editor in chief and as editor in chief and CEO of the New Jersey Jewish News.

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