Fighting fire with fire

TALI FEINBERG

Israel’s Ambassador to South Africa Arthur Lenk, visited Knysna in the days after the fire. In a Facebook post, he said that Israel donated R25 000 of food and produce to help feed the firemen and other first responders, which he presented to Knysna Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies. 

Lenk made sandwiches at the relief centre and discussed the way forward with the mayor.

George resident, Myron Rabinowitz, chairman of the Garden Route Jewish Association (GRJA), is working with child welfare organisations in the area to ensure that the youngest and poorest victims of the fires are taken care of.

Rabinowitz is concerned that all fire victims should receive trauma counselling, which will help them rebuild their lives in the months and years to come.

The Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies is working closely with the GRJA to identify the most urgent needs of the victims, says Liza-Jane Webb, media officer of the Cape Board.

“Our community has been overwhelming in their support. We have received R128 000 cash donations, as well as donations of goods, services and accommodation. Students from SAUJS manned collection points in Sea Point; people are helping in any way they can.”

Webb says that there is still a need for basic household goods like plates, cups, bedding and towels. There is also a need for essential aid, which is water and toiletries, including nappies. Manpower is needed to pack and sort goods.

“Social workers and trauma counsellors are also in dire need to counsel victims,” says Webb. “Although the fires have mostly ended, it’s important that our support continues over the weeks while the victims rebuild their lives.”

The Cape Board is heartened by how communities across South Africa have come together and rallied in support. “It’s been bittersweet,” concludes Webb.

Plettenberg Bay Shul Chairman Johnny Amoils, says that the extent of the devastation is difficult to comprehend.

“How did this happen in our utopia?” is the general sentiment expressed. In a letter to his community, he wrote: “We feel that the onus is on us as the Jewish community, to assist wherever possible.”

Financial donations are most urgent, as this will allow the shul to purchase items that are particularly needed by Jewish families and others.

He is grateful for the support of Jewish communities across the country: “It has been remarkable to witness. Their generosity has given us a lot of momentum.”

Samantha Lurie who lives on Thesen Islands, has hosted five families during the evacuations. She is involved in the relief efforts. “Financial donations and places to store donated goods for the months ahead, and building materials, are still urgently required,” she says

Many families whose homes burnt down, are uninsured, while there is a worry that those who are insured, will leave the town or even the country to start over. In addition, many families with lower incomes, have lost jobs like gardening or domestic work. 

The mood on the ground is positive. “We are having our Oyster Festival in a month’s time, and Knysna will be rebuilt even more beautifully than before!”

Pam Tudin of Thesen Islands, said that those on the island hosted evacuated families on the first night of the fires. By morning, several of those hosted had lost their homes and were experiencing shock. 

Johannesburg resident Dean, a designer by profession, has created a sticker with an emblem, which he hopes can be used as a licence disc sticker or as a decorative item, which can be purchased for a nominal fee, with the funds going towards fire victims.

Jacob Lazarus of RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers, says that the company had donated and delivered 500 blankets and eight tons worth of fresh bottled drinking water, and is assisting DHL in its deliveries, after it opened its stores as drop-off points.

Jewish day schools, shuls, companies and individuals from around the country, have all rallied in support, but the true test will be in the months and years ahead, as the Garden Route rebuilds itself.