Saturday morning (March 16) the Jewish Community was shattered when the news that the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center was intentionally and maliciously set ablaze.
The Fort Lauderdale Fire Department acted swiftly and extinguished the flames as they bellowed over the rooftop, but unfortunately, the damage was already done. The building which is the home to three incredible nonprofits is currently closed. The back of the building sustained severe damage, the kitchen is gone and the entire facility almost a week later is still filled with the stench of smoke.
What has this done to us as a community? It has shaken us to the core! Over the past 10 years, Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center has held annual backpack drives supplying more than 1,500 children with essential school supplies. Thanksgiving turkey drives warming the hearts and bellies of families in need. When Hurricane Ian ravaged the West Coast of Florida the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center stepped up and was transformed into a hub which daily sent trucks across the state with supplies to help families. And since the horrific attack on Israel on October 7th, we have done everything to provide for our brothers and sisters needs.
Monday-Friday the center is home to an incredible Life Skills and Job Training Program for adults with special needs. This unique program utilizes the location and allows for daily hands-on training in the kitchen to prepare the Friendship Grill restaurant for the day ahead. Now the kitchen and restaurant which held so much life and excitement a week ago is simply gone.
Our weekends are full with Shabbat services and dinners, Sunday Hebrew School programs and then with a quick turnover, our Friendship Circle programs come in. Friendship Circle programs meet five times a month for social programs supporting children, teens and adults with special needs. Right now, all of this is at a standstill.
We know that the pain that is felt by this terrible act of hate is not just our pain, but the collective pain of our community. Our home has been set ablaze, our safe space is in ruins and it feels like everything we have worked so hard for has literally burned.
Yet, amidst the ashes, a flicker of hope remains. The Torahs including a Holocaust Sefer Torah, thank G-d, all made it out unscathed amidst some smoke damage. Although the Rabbi’s entire van was burnt down to the frame, the Prayer book that sat in between the two front seats miraculously stayed intact. This is a strong reminder that amidst it all, G-d is watching over and protecting us.
As we confront the darkness, our resolve burns brighter than ever. The flames that once consumed our home now fuel our determination to rebuild, to rise from the ashes stronger than before.
We call on our community to stand with us and help rebuild our home. On behalf of The Friendship Circle of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Israel Heart 2 Heart, and the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support.
Donations to rebuild our center can be made through the following link: https://www.charidy.com/rebuildfclasolas/FRIENDSHIPCIRCLE
Any inquiries on additional assistance can be directed to OutreachDirector@Friendshipfl.org
Nechama “Natalie” Gutman is the Friendship Circle Outreach Director at the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center.
