Synagogue threatened by floods
RISING flood waters in the centre of Brisbane were threatening the city’s main synagogue this week.
RISING flood waters in the centre of Brisbane were threatening the city’s main synagogue this week.
As severe flooding moved from central Queensland to the state’s capital on Wednesday, local police warned residents to avoid the CBD – where the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation is located – while Lord Mayor Campbell Newman claimed that entire suburbs may go under.
Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg said rising waters could flow into the Brisbane shul.
“In previous floods, the water was relatively close, so if there’s an increase in the water level of the Brisbane River, the Margaret Street synagogue may be impacted,” he said.
“But the Sefer Torahs and records and things will be moved to higher ground inside the precinct of the shul.”
According to Steinberg, the number of Jews affected by the unprecedented weather event was growing by the hour.
“A lot of people here have riverside properties or businesses being impacted and they’re currently, for safety reasons, moving to friends or family with higher ground,” he said.
“We expect there to be more impact as the river keeps rising over the next 24 to 48 hours.”
He spoke of one Jewish person who had to empty out their business before floodwater engulfed it, as well as a couple with a young baby who had to flee to their parents when their home was impacted.
He said the worst is expected to hit Thursday and then waters will begin receding on Friday.
“Our communal organisations are working hard to try to access people who have lost personal property and do need assistance, so we’re working hard on that at the moment.
Steinberg thanked the wider community for its support in a difficult time, and urged those who wish to help to donate to the flood relief appeal.
Meanwhile, Ari Heber of Queensland Jewish Community Services said his organisation was working together with the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, Help in Need Society, Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia, Chabad of Gold Coast and Northern Rivers in NSW to respond to the crisis.
“We’ve sent out communications to people telling them to contact us if they need assistance,” he said.
Heber said around eight Jewish families in Brisbane’s western suburbs had been identified as potentially needing assistance.
He also expressed concern about the situation in Toowomba, where around 80 people are reported missing. “There was an Israeli population up there, but we don’t know who’s who, but as information filters through we’ll know what we’re doing,” he said.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Danny Lamm has called on Jewish Australians to give generously to assist those impacted by the floods.
He said the thoughts of the community were with all who have been affected.
GARETH NARUNSKY
AJN TOYS & TOILETRIES APPEAL
To help Queenslanders get back on their feet in the weeks and months ahead, The AJN is coordinating a Toys & Toiletries appeal. Please bring packaged toiletries – toothbrushes, shampoo and the like – as well as new children’s toys to the collection points. These will be distributed to families in Queensland in coming weeks by The AJN, in close conjunction with Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia and Our Big Kitchen NSW.
In Melbourne, bring your unwrapped, new toys and toiletries to level 1, 589 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick, during business hours (9am-5pm).
In Sydney, bring your unwrapped, new toys and toiletries to Our Big Kitchen, 36 Flood Street (down the driveway), Bondi. during business hours (10am-6pm or 10am-2pm on Fridays) or on Friday, January 14, to Chabad of North Shore, 27 College Cresent, St Ives (9am-5pm).
Please note, second hand goods cannot be accepted.
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