Israel sending $1 million to help Jewish hurricane victims in Houston

One million US dollars of relief aid from the Diaspora Ministry will be distributed among the Jewish community of Houston, as it begins  a long rehabilitation process in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

An agreement was set to be signed between the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the State of Israel on Tuesday for the transfer of the funds, which were pledged by Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett in September in the wake of the devastating tropical storm.

"Tough times are also when us Jews show our unity; they are an opportunity to rally and help one another," Bennett said in a video message sent to the community ahead of the signing. "I instructed the Israeli government to transfer 1 million dollars to the Jewish community in Houston because we are brothers, and we care. We did this simply because it is the right thing to do."

Israeli Consul General to the Southwest United States Gilad Katz was set to sign the deal with heads of the Federation in Houston, according to which the funds will be distributed among community institutions which were severely damaged by the storm.

Hurricane Harvey was the costliest tropical cyclone on record, inflicting approximately $125 to $198.63 billion in damage, mainly from widespread flooding in the Houston metropolitan area. 70% of the Jewish community lived in the flooded neighborhoods, and as well as their homes, the old-age home, synagogues, schools and the JCC were among the buildings damaged, affecting hundreds of Jewish families.

According to Bennett, this is the first time Israel has sent such support to Jews hit by a natural disaster. "In the past Jews helped the state of Israel when it was in need. Now, Israel can help the Jews."

"I look forward to the day the JCC and old age home, the synagogues and schools, are completely restored and refurbished," he added.