Federations Mobilize in Response to Historic Colorado Flooding

New York – The Jewish Federations of North America are mobilizing to help the victims of unprecedented flooding across Colorado, which has swept through 15 counties, killing five and displacing thousands of people – and the Jewish community has not escaped the disaster.

The Jewish Federations today opened a mailbox and online donation fund and provided $50,000 in emergency aid. So far more than 1,500 people are missing in the flooding, which has wiped out roads and bridges and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, businesses and institutions. Rain continued to fall today, swelling flooded rivers and hampering response efforts.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Colorado,” said JFNA Board of Trustees Chair Michael Siegal. “Jewish Federations across North America are working closely with the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and will do whatever we can to help those in the Jewish and general communities who are suffering.”

In Boulder, several feet of floodwater swept into both the Har HaShem Reform synagogue and Bonai Shalom Conservative congregation, damaging both buildings, while the Chabad Lubavitch of Boulder County was also badly hit. Many community members are reporting flooded homes as well.

The Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado is taking the lead in assessing needs on the ground and distributing funds and supplies throughout the community. The local Federation has also opened its own fund.

JFNA and its Emergency Committee have been coordinating with the local Federation and Executive Director Doug Seserman, including working with NECHAMA- Jewish Response to Disaster, assessing damages and starting recovery operations. The emergency committee today allocated the initial $50,000 for emergency aid to the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado.

One hundred percent of donations to the JFNA fund will go to the Allied Jewish Federation’s relief effort. To donate online, click here. Please address funds by mail to:

The Jewish Federations, collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning).