Agudath Israel is pained by the loss of life, destruction, and suffering brought about by Hurricane Ida. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected.
Agudath Israel thanks the governors of New York and New Jersey, Governors Kathy Hochul and Phil Murphy, as well as Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, and supports them in urging President Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve a disaster declaration for New York, New Jersey, and the surrounding states, in the wake of Hurricane Ida.
It is imperative that a federal disaster be declared because, until then, no FEMA funds can be released to assist shuls, organizations, or individuals. As soon as the destruction of Hurricane Ida became apparent, Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York government relations, and Agudah New Jersey Director, Rabbi Avi Schnall, urged that their states be declared disaster areas.
The Agudah is proud to have been among a small group of organizations at the forefront of years-long advocacy at the White House, in Congress, and at FEMA to reverse the agency’s policy of denying disaster aid to houses of worship. Since early 2019, the eligibility of houses of worship has been enshrined into law.
Agudath Israel reminds those affected that a personal insurance claim is generally necessary to attain FEMA aid, even if one’s policy does not include flood insurance. Moreover, any damages incurred should be documented at this time.
As an immediate step, the Agudah will be working with shuls and yeshivos in the communities of Brooklyn, Queens, and North Jersey to address their acute needs following this storm.