Chabad of Kathmandu is asking for donations in order to continue providing services to Israelis and others in need in the disaster-stricken country. PHOTO: Chabad of Nepal

A Kathmandu-based emissary of Jewish outreach group Chabad on Monday said the local situation is dire, in the wake of last Friday’s earthquake in Nepal.

In a video message, Chani Lifshitz called for donations to their Kathmandu center, which has been being used as a shelter for Israeli travelers in the country.

According to Lifshitz, because of the heavy load it has to bear as a result of the recent disaster, the Chabad House in Kathmandu is in serious need of financial support.

Lifshitz said, “I appeal to your hearts, so that we can put together here all of the basic needs of the institution which are quickly running out, like water, rice, vegetables, food for the people, equipment, medicines, and all of these things.”

Lifshitz said that, “Two days after the earthquake hit our area, we still hear aftershocks every few hours,” adding that the geological situation in Nepal would definitely result in more casualties. “The ground is still not calm, which is why we have called on all Israelis not to travel on the roads and to remain in open buildings.”

Until things calm down, a routine has developed in Kathmandu’s Chabad House. “We have been here for two days in the Chabad house, which is very safe. At night, hundreds of [Israelis] sleep here, who are also able to eat hot meals,” said Lifshitz, adding that “it has actually become their primary home here in the area.” A hiker visiting the region showed how the guests were sleeping on couches and mattresses in the courtyard of the building.

Chabad is also offering physical assistance, and the movement’s officials in the region are trying to make contact with Israelis whose fate is not yet known. “Through our satellite project, we are trying to find all of the people that are found in the cities, and we are talking about large numbers of people,” said Lifshitz, noting that “slowly, we will succeed in mapping out the entire area and to find them all, with God’s help.”

Lifshitz said that, “We will reach each and every one of them, even though we’ll have difficulties because communications are disabled here, but we’ll do our maximum.”

Lifshitz added that in light of the situation, “we would be glad if you could help us, in order for us to continue helping others. Many Israelis are staying with us who are not going to leave the Chabad House, and it is becoming their home.”

Donations can be provided at the following link.