Haifa fire update: 43 known dead; 25,000 evacuated

HAIFA (Press Release)–After more than 45 hours, fires continue to sweep across northern Israel in the deadliest blaze in the country’s history. Over 8,000 acres have already burned in the Carmel Mountains near Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city. The death toll has climbed to 43 and is expected to rise, with several people listed in critical condition and others reported missing. More than 25,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Firefighters and foresters are working around the clock to bring the fire under control as strong winds and dry conditions hamper their efforts and supplies run desperately short. Jewish National Fund (JNF), the U.S. fundraising arm of Friends of Israel Firefighters, is leading a relief effort in coordination with the Israeli government to provide protective gear and rescue equipment to fire crews.

JNF has announced its commitment to raising $10 million for this emergency campaign, and is sending $500,000 of donated funds immediately to Israel.

Our brave firefighters and foresters need your help – now.

Here’s what you can do:

• Donate at JNF.org/fifdonate
• Forward this email to a friend
• Download a flyer with a list of the firefighters’ immediate needs – bring it to your school, your synagogue, your Hanukah party, and share it with your friends and colleagues

To donate to the relief effort, and to arm the firefighters with the protective gear and equipment they need, go to www.jnf.org/fifdonate.

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Preceding provided by Jewish National Fund.  Local donations also are being accepted by the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.