The following is a current breakdown of all of the plans, decisions, and actions that our community will be taking in anticipation of a dangerous storm hitting our area. We met this morning with the local government agencies, the OEM, and all of the local community organizations. Though we cannot predict the exact path of the storm, it is clear to us that no matter how severe the storm will be, the Far Rockaway/Bayswater, and the Queens/Nassau border will be the hardest hit.
As of now the Mayor's office is advising that a mandatory evacuation for Zone A (Far Rockaway/Bayswater area) is highly likely to be ordered tomorrow morning. The rabbonim of the community are strongly urging once again that anyone who has the ability to go away for Shabbos should do so. With regards to Sunday morning Shachris plans, please refer to your individual Rav, as different shuls have already made their own decisions.
In the event that an evacuation is ordered, we have thus far set up five community centers where people will be able to go to, receive instructions, and get mass transportation to designated shelter areas. This will help avoid chaos and unnecessary Chillul Shabbos.
The following shuls will be the designated areas, and will also be fully stocked with basic supplies with the assistance of Gourmet Glatt.
1. The White Shul (Empire Ave)
2. Sharray Tefilah (corner of Central and Lord)
3. Young Israel of Far Rockaway (Beach 9th St.)
4. Young Israel of Bayswater (Healy Ave.)
5. Yeshiva Shor Yoshuv (1 Cedar Lawn Ave.)
The number one concern for our community right now is the safely of our elderly and handicapped residents. We are currently working on a plan to evacuate as many of these residents as possible over the next few hours. If you are aware of any residents who cannot care for themselves, please let us know immediately.
We stress once again that these are precautionary measures and we are only acting upon the information that the OEM has given us. We will keep you posted as further information becomes available.
It is our fervent hope that all these plans and measures will all be unnecessary.
Lastly, there are many people with questions, concerns, or are simply not sure of what they should be doing. You can call our office hotline at
516-791-4444 and we will do our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Mark Gross
Hatzalah of the Rockaways & Nassau County
Rabbi Boruch B. Bender
ACHIEZER
Rabbi Tzvi Flaum
Vaad Harabonim of Far Rockaway & The Five Towns
Richard Altabe
JCC
Natan Mandelbaum & Alex Glucksman
NYC OEM
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