Asheville, NC is Underwater After Hurricane, Chabad Aids Residents

Just days before Rosh Hashanah, Asheville, N.C., is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Category 4 storm left many roads washed away, residents missing, and entire communities without food, clean water, electricity, or access to gas. With power lines down and the city’s water system critically damaged, officials warn it may take weeks to restore basic services.

Rabbi Shaya and Chana Susskind of Chabad of Asheville have been leading local relief efforts, preparing and distributing kosher meals to those in need. “For some, the Rosh Hashanah meal may be their first hot food in days,” said Rabbi Susskind. With cell service unreliable and roads blocked by debris, they are working to reach elderly and isolated members of the community who are stranded in remote areas.

Chabad centers throughout North Carolina have stepped up to assist. Volunteers from Chabad of Charlotte, just under three hours away, have made multiple trips to deliver food, generators, water, and gas. “Entire neighborhoods are completely cut off, and getting to them is challenging,” Rabbi Bentzion Groner said after making the trip with a vanload of supplies. Chabad of Greensboro has also been collecting supplies to send to Asheville, and Hatzalah volunteers from New York are on the ground with chainsaws and rescue equipment, helping clear roads and reach trapped residents.

To coordinate relief efforts, Chabad of Asheville has launched an emergency relief site, at www.chabadasheville.org/relief allowing people to request assistance, report missing loved ones, and offer volunteer support. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock, often navigating treacherous terrain to deliver food and supplies.

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, the community’s resilience and the outpouring of support from nearby Chabad centers and volunteers offer hope. Together, they are making sure that those affected by the storm can celebrate the holiday with dignity and warmth.

How You Can Help
To support Chabad of Asheville’s relief efforts, report a loved one who needs assistance, or get updates on the rescue operation go to http://www.chabadasheville.org/relief.