Flash floods swept through Milwaukee and its surrounding areas Aug. 9-10, leaving significant damage – including to parts of the local Jewish community.
While many Jewish organizations were largely spared from water damage, others were not so fortunate.
“Several Chabad rabbis’ homes, which are also used for connecting with community, were damaged with flooding of up to two to three feet,” said Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin, executive vice president for Lubavitch of Wisconsin.
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid was also hit. CBINT, like many other buildings across Milwaukee, suffered significant damage from the flooding, according to Executive Director Beata Abraham.
“Our basement was flooded, including every room, and the main space. Furniture, carpets, built-ins, books, art and a great deal of stored items were all casualties of the flood,” Abraham said.
Fortunately, CBINT brought in a restoration company that responded quickly with industrial equipment. “They arrived with 15 large dehumidifiers and a crew of tireless workers who hauled and removed all damaged items into dumpsters, then dried, cleaned and disinfected the entire basement,” Abraham said. Many items were destroyed, some of which Abraham said were “irreplaceable.”
“We are grateful that the building is restored to its previous dry and good-smelling self so quickly after the storm. Hopefully, we are safe from this kind of weather event for another 500 years.”
Moderate flooding was reported at Woodale Crossing, a supportive housing complex recently opened by Jewish Social Services (see other coverage, this edition). An elevator and garage door were temporarily disabled, and drywall damage occurred, as detailed by interim president and CEO Dan Fleischman. However, a newly built bio-retention pond at the site played a crucial role in mitigating greater damage. The system, designed to capture and filter stormwater through native plants, prevented runoff from entering the street or sewer system.
WISN reported that more than 1,600 Milwaukee-area households were affected by the flooding, with residents facing severe damage and loss. The floods were among the most significant of the last decade in the Milwaukee area, according to some officials.
As some begin a long recovery process, Milwaukee Jewish Federation is offering resources and support, especially around the critical issue of mold. In a message to the community, the Federation emphasized the importance of being cautious: “Mold issues are complicated and potentially harmful, and you need to take precautions and consider speaking to experts before undertaking cleaning and removal.”
Roberta S. Clark, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, has been named the point person for the Federation’s disaster response. Community members are encouraged to reach out to her at 414-390-5736 or RobertaC@MilwaukeeJewish.org for requests.
Loading ...