Prayers and aid for Grenfell Tower residents
AN ORTHODOX RABBI has described how he mobilised support for the victims of the fire at Grenfell Tower. Shneur Wineberg said he asked kosher food outlets to donate supplies and then delivered the aid to victims on Wednesday, as firefighters were tackling the blaze in west London.
“It’s a terrible tragedy and we felt that we had to do something and to be there for people,” said Rabbi Wineberg, who arrived in Britain from Israel only a few months ago with the aim of setting up a Chabad in Notting Hill — in the same area of London as the tower block.
Stores which made donations included Bread, Grodzinski, Carmelli and Moshe’s
“They were really fantastic,” Rabbi Wineberg said. “Straight away they said ‘for sure’ and so I wanted to get down there as soon as possible.”
In addition to distributing the aid, the rabbi spent the day speaking to people affected by the fire.
“Someone said that London has had a rough streak recently and I think that we can all agree with that. There’s a lot of help that’s going to be needed and a lot of people will need support.”
At time of going to press, 12 people were reported to have died as flames swept through the 24-storey building, with many more g treated for injuries. Forty fire engines and around 200 firefighters were needed to tackle the blaze which started in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis tweeted: “Images of #GrenFell Tower are truly harrowing. My prayers today are with all affect-
Holland Park Synagogue offered support to victims ed & with the heroes running towards danger to save live
Hatzola, the Jewish medical emergency service, today tweeted: “Incredible bravery and lifesaving work by our city’s great emergency services. Thoughts with all affected. #Grenfell Tower.”
Staff at Holland Park Synagogue, only a few streets from Grenfell Tower, contacted the local council with an offer of support for victims.
In an email to members, Laurence Julius, the synagogue’s honorary treasurer, wrote: “We express our horror at the tragic event. The people who lived in the tower have lost everything. Anything you can do to help will be much appreciated.” Holland Park, New West End Synagogue and Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue all started collections of food and supplies for victims.
World Jewish Relief said it had spoken to a a number of organisations working in the area, and advised the that residents of the tower would need care and support for many weeks and months ahead.