Friends of Yemin Orde - Updates from the Village

Updates From the Village

December 14, 2010

We are thrilled to report that the children have gone back into the classroom. Amazingly enough, we have started to rebuild and recover just ten days after Israel's worst fire in its history tore through our beloved Carmel Forest.

Our prized Godjo, which is a traditional Ethiopian hut much favored by the children, was torched. The children gently stepped around its ashes secure in the knowledge that it will be rebuilt. We are most grateful for the outpouring of support the world has shown us.

Thank you to our community of generous donors who have come forward to help Yemin Orde in its hour of need. We couldn't do it without you!

December 10, 2010

We are starting to clean up around the Village. Teams of volunteers have arrived from all over Israel, including graduates, to participate in this effort. Electricity and water have been partially restored and the children are expected to start class on Monday. We have created a path to the dining room, where light meals will be served to the children. Spirits are high.

The younger children are coping well and finding courage in the strength and spirit of their older peers. They know their beloved Village will be rebuilt. We are working with an insurance expert to be sure we receive proper compensation from our fire insurance policy. We can’t yet put an exact figure on our repair needs but the number certainly appears intimidating.

Homes and offices. The clinic and the library. Clothes, pictures, and possessions. All lost. Many thanks to the generous donors, agencies and volunteers who have stepped in to help us in our time of need. We are so grateful for their generosity.

Our work is just beginning.

Saturday, Dec. 4, 12:00pm EST

Unfortunately the news from Yemin Orde is not good. Although everyone is safe there has been significant damage to many of the buildings with some being destroyed completely. The winds have shifted and the fire continues to be out of control. No one has been authorized to go inside of the buildings which remain standing. There have been task forces set up to address the myriad of issues facing the administration. We are aware that financial appeals are coming from Federations and other organizations to help those impacted by this tragedy. Yemin Orde will prioritize their needs and Friends of Yemin Orde will of course be there to help. Since the fire is still raging it is hard to determine the exact extent of the damage. The spirit of Yemin Orde is strong and will prevail. What is burnt can be replaced. We will continue to keep you updated.

Friday, Dec 3, 3:15pm (Israel Time)

These lines are written Friday, December 3rd, 3:15pm, just to update all our dear friends who are concerned with the fate of Yemin Orde in the midst of this huge catastrophe. Thank G-d, we are all safe- both children and adult teams of the village. The children were calmly evacuated to our sister village Neveh Ami'el, where all the necessary arrangements were made to warmly accept and accommodate them. Dr. Benny Fisher, village director, is showing great leadership and spirit in coordinating all it takes to ensure the well-being of the children and the village under these circumstances. Eastern winds are blowing at around 30 MPH, and spreading the fire westward. As you probably heard from the media, the Israeli rescue teams have lost control because of the magnitute of the crisis. So far - and I dare say miraculously - the village has been spared the fate of nearby Kibbutz Bet Oren that has been burned down. Yet, the situation is very volatile - keep praying! Help from graduates of all ages has been pouring in, and the empty village is going to be manned by graduates during the weekend, helping security and rescue efforts in the village and vicinty. We are overawed by the spirit of our staff, graduates and kids. For many children, this experience brings up much anxiety, opening old wounds. Needless to say, all the adults around are there for them. May this incoming Shabbat bring with it rescue and comfort. We will update you as the situation unfolds.

Much love from all of us, hoping and praying for the best. Chaim Peri and Susan Weijel for all of us.

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 9:50 pm

As you must know by now, a devastating brush fire is still raging in the Carmel Mountains. Yemin Orde was among those communities evacuated. As the evacuation commenced, many children were preparing to leave for the Hanukkah vacation, but more than 100 of them who had planned to stay in the Village for Shabbat are now at Neveh Amiel (one of the villages managed by Yemin Orde Educational Initiatives), and safely out of the fire's way. The Village's Torahs were also evacuated and traveled on the bus to Neveh Amiel with the youngest children, to assure the little ones that the precious Torahs were also safe. All associated with Yemin Orde are fielding calls from graduates all over the country. Everyone is worried about the place they call home. As of now, the winds are in our favor and the fire has not reached the Village. A situation like this makes us draw loved ones close. We will stay in touch and keep you updated.