From Rabbi Moshe Matz, Executive Director, Agudath Israel of Florida:
Yesterday’s shocking tragedy that took place in Surfside has left our community shaken and in pain. The breathtaking outpouring of achdus and support for each other has been a tremendous source of strength. As the numbers of confirmed deceased and missing individuals continue to rise it behooves us all to strengthen even further our tefillos and acts of chesed.
Our office has fielded many calls of concerned family members and friends searching for information about their loved ones, for guidance, and for support. The pain and fear is heartbreaking and we share in their pain and sorrow. As the hours and days ahead will continue to bring many challenges and show the significant needs that will need to be met for the survivors and their families, we must remain engaged and focused.
We once again express our deep appreciation to all the Miami-Dade first responders for their selfless and heroic work and to Hatzalah of South Florida and Chesed Shel Emes for their amazing dedication. The broad community has been extremely generous and have opened their hearts.
We thank Surfside Mayor Charles Burket and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for their strong leadership. We thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his unwavering friendship and support.
We understand that the Ribono Shel Olam is sending us a message. Let us strengthen our commitment to His Torah and increase our tefillah and chesed. We continue to daven for yeshuos and nechamos.