 |
|
|
SUPPORT SESSION @ CHABAD THIS SUNDAY
All adults whose family members were present at the Chanukah Wonderland on Thursday afternoon, are invited to attend a guidance and informational session at Chabad tomorrow, Sunday, December 28 at 12:00 noon. A team of therapists will offer professional guidance for navigating the road ahead and will address the specific needs and questions for you and your children. A panel of counselors will discuss signs of trauma and what a parent should look out for and be prepared to address. The program will begin with a general session followed by one on-one-support. Supervision for children available. Therapists will also be available to speak with your child upon request. MONDAY: There will be an exciting program for children during the day on Monday, December 29, 12:00 - 6:00 PM. Chanukah activities will include special entertainment, crafts, face painting and more. Details to follow shortly. Stay informed with up-to-the-minute information by checking our website: www.chabad5towns.com.
DID WE REACH YOU?
Chabad has mobilized an effort to ensure that all families of the victims are taken care of. We have volunteers coordinating and delivering meals for the next few weeks, bringing toys and gifts to all the children, offering rides to and from the hospitals, providing babysitting etc. We’re doing everything we possibly can to ease the stress.
In addition, if you or your children were spared injuries but were present at the time of the incident, we know you’re hurting. We have many licensed therapists, trauma counselors and child psychologists ready to help you. Please send a confidential email with your contact information to [email protected] and you’ll receive an immediate response. You may also call our 24-hour hotline: 516-612-0650
A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM RABBI WOLOWIK
I am overwhelmed with a whole host of emotions right now. The last 24 hours have been challenging, responding to the emergency, dealing with the shock and pain and crying with those hurt physically and emotionally. And while we prayed 'round the clock for miracles in our days, I personally found a glimmer of comfort in recognizing G‑d’s small miracles throughout and I held onto the Chizzuk gleaned from it. I also want to say a very big, personal thank you to our entire giving, caring community of remarkable individuals. I am so deeply touched by the volume of emails and calls from people reaching to lend their support. I am amazed by the continuous outpouring of assistance and wishes and I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful community! I know you’re all waiting to hear good news and I am happy to finally be able to share - Baruch Hashem! At this time, all of the children have been released from local area hospitals. Of course we continue to pray for the complete recovery of those injured, the parents who are hospitalized and the children who are still on the road to full recovery. In the words of one of the extraordinary hatzalah members on the scene “...The Mother assured me that her daughter was indeed run over. I could not believe how HEALTHY she looked! She did have what we assumed was a broken arm, but we could not find any signs or symptoms of any internal injuries, nor anything worse than the broken arm. Hashem was exquisitely kind to SO many victims yesterday, and the outcomes could have absolutely been much, much worse. Chasdei Hashem Yisborach!...” So my dear friends, let’s join together and hold hands tomorrow night as we thank G‑d for the miracles we’ve witnessed and pray for continuous miracles here in our days, in our community. It would be most meaningful to me if you’d join me in Cedarhurst Park tomorrow night and Sunday night, at 6 PM as we light the giant Menorah, which suddenly seems that much more significant! In conclusion, I’d like to remind everyone that our 24-hour support line is still open and our wonderful volunteer counselors and therapists are standing by to help anyone affected by this incident: 516-612-0650 (closed Shabbos of course) or [email protected]. Don’t let your children go to sleep with questions – call us, we want to help you! We also thank the numerous incredible volunteers who prepared meals today, delivered toys and gifts and went out of their way doing all they can to make the families comfortable and ensure their needs were well taken care of. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! May the light and miracles of Chanukah permeate our entire community and may we only share good tidings! Shabbat Shalom and warmest wishes, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik
STATEMENT FROM CHABAD OF THE FIVE TOWNS Thursday, December 25, 2008
Dear Friends, Our hearts and prayers are with those who were injured in today's accident at the Chanukah Wonderland. We appreciate and are comforted by the tremendous outpouring of support, and are also overwhelmed with requests for additional information. At this time, all information points to this being an unfortunate incident, wherein a car accidentally crashed through the building housing our community's family Chanukah celebration. Chabad of the Five Towns’ main priority at this time is to ensure that each of the injured individuals is cared for by medical personnel, and that they and their families are safe. We are doing whatever we possibly can for the families during this difficult time. We are also focusing on providing licensed counselors around the clock to anyone affected – directly or indirectly – by the accident. We urge every person to keep the victims in your prayers, and we encourage everyone to undertake an additional Mitzvah in their merit. Chabad of the Five Towns would like to extend our immense gratitude to the local police and fire departments, Hatzalah and other emergency medical personnel and volunteers who responded immediately to the accident, and assisted the victims. As we are in the midst of celebrating the holiday of Chanukah, may we merit to celebrate the miraculous and speedy recovery of all who are injured. Chabad of the Five Towns
|
Confidential
24-HOUR helpline: 516-612-0650 |
|
For information on
retrieving your belongings, receiving counseling or other assistance related to this incident, please e-mail: [email protected] (dedicated & monitored 24 hours). |
|
|
Participating Support
CHAI LIFELINE
Ohel Family
Peninsula Counseling Center
MASK
Interborough
|
|
|
Friday, December 26 | 9:43 AM
Friday, December 26 | 5:22 AM
|
Chabad of the Five Towns
|