Carmel Mtn Fires - LDS Aid

We spend about half our time doing humanitarian service thru valued local charities, on behalf of the JC and LDS Charities--Humanitarian Services. [See Oct. posts on " Humanitarians -- Jerusalem & West Bank".)  Since its creation in 1985, LDS Charities has dispensed over $1 billion in cash and commodities to 23 million people in 167 countries.  Due to unpaid volunteer service couples like us, 100% of all donations goes directly to those who need it--rather than to overhead or administrative costs.

Emergency Response.  LDS aid often helps victims of natural disasters and civil turmoil. Stored supplies are sent literally within hours of the emergency.  The organization's mission is to relieve suffering, to encourage self reliance and to provide service as did Christ, who "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). 

 The 2010 Fires. Last fall's fires in Israel's Carmel Mountains east of Haifa, among its worst ever, destroyed 1.5 million trees on 12,500 acres and killed 44 persons.  Our hygiene kits & excess student clothing at the JC were offered as aid.  Instead, we were invited to visit the area after the fires were put out.

Beit Oren. In the 1940s, this historic kibbutz was a staging ground for the Haganah in opposing British rule.   It is next to the Carmel Mountains National Park.  All 200 residents were among the 17,000 who were evacuated.  These homes overlooking the scenic Oren Valley were gutted and later razed.

Ironically, this horrific fire started on the second day of Hannukah -- December 2nd.  Two Druse teenagers were accused of intentionally or negligently starting the fire near Haifa.  On 11/24/11, charges against them were dropped. 

On 2/2/11 we came to survey the damage, along with Eran Hayet (JC Executive Director) and Sharon Eubank (Regional Director of LDS Charities).

Kibbutz director Orna Dagon's home (left rear in photo rt.) wasn't lost, but it had serious smoke & water damage.  At least she had some fire insurance.

Several owners of homes had no insurance at all - including this one.

Mountain slopes were badly charred but may recover faster than victims' lives. 

This pre-school & kindergarten was damaged, both inside and out.

A new fence protects the children, who remain in high spirits. 

 

This was a second kindergarten that was damaged, both inside and out.

 

Somewhat more somber was this view of the road where a busload of prison service cadets & their commanders coming to evacuate the nearby prison was stopped by falling timbers, then consumed all 37 occupants.

LDS Charities provided some emergency relief funds to help restore the two preschools shown above plus two persons without insurance who were burned out.  This community is now back on its feet. 

Yemin Orde Boarding School.  Also in the Carmel mountains but closer to Haifa is this unique home to 500 youths (many orphaned), from 16 countries--including Russia and Ethiopia.  The Assoc. Directors (rt.) explained the many ways that these students are integrated and supported.

Over 40% of campus bldgs. were damaged, including 58 staff and faculty homes.  Even the village rabbi and high school principal lost their homes. 

Other ravaged buildings included student dormitories, a workshop, a convenience store and this outdoor recreational area.

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The administrative offices were badly burned.

The adjoining Weinberg Library was also damaged and some volumes were lost.

 However the picturesque synagogue was spared, along with the 9 Torah scrolls that had been spirited away from the approaching flames.

Breathtaking views of Haifa and the Mediterranean enhance this superb setting. LDS Charities will also try help speed this unique school's recovery.













In April, we returned with our daughter Melissa to inspect the results of our aid.  Some signs of fire damage still remained. 

But the rapid recovery in just four months was amazing. The ravaged bldgs. & outdoor recreational area shown above were completely rebuilt.

We met Susan and her assistant, Balik, who showed us around.

LDS Charities provided funds to refurbish furniture in their "Beit Aristotle" -- six rooms for 24 girls (all age 14). Our money was apparently well spent!