Gulf workers and families suffering, JFSJ and other faith groups helping

by: Erica Brody

Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:41:45 AM EDT

All is not well in the Gulf Coast, to put it mildly. 

Solutions to coping with the effects of the disastrous oil spill seem all but sidelined as the nation watches effort after effort to staunch the flow of spewing oil fail. We can only hope that the latest  attempt -- the containment cap -- will work.

[Chris] Nelhig, a fisherman for 36 years, wears a tan visor over a long ponytail. His face is glossy with sweat.

“What’s going on down here, [with regard to the oil spill], I don’t completely understand it yet,” he says. “I can’t get the truth from nobody. Don’t know how long it’s going to last.” His eyes shine, but show his worry. The environmental and economic effects of the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon drilling site off the Gulf Coast more than a month ago are obvious, but what many don’t see are the emotional effects on the fishermen and their families.

Already, local and national charities have sprung into action. And the Jewish community -- and Jewish Funds for Justice are not exception. [Follow the link to read more about JFSJ and other Jewish efforts to help individuals in the affected coastal communities.]

From the Pittsburgh-based Chronicle:

Jewish Funds for Justice ... is raising money for areas impacted by the oil spill and has reopened its Gulf Coast Disaster Recovery Fund, which [JFSJ] established to raise money for people affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"We are acting on our obligations to help create a vibrant Jewish community committed to chesed -- acts of loving kindness," JFSJ said in a statement. 

Contribute today to JFSJ's Gulf Coast Disaster Recovery Fund.