The Jewish Agency for Israel and Israel Scouts on Wednesday sent 15 young scouts to assist victims of Hurricane Sandy in hard hit areas. Most of the group are Russian speakers who will address members of the Russian-speaking community. The Jewish Agency officials have experience with dealing with persons from the former Soviet Union.

According to the Jewish Agency, close to 800,000 Russian Jews live in the United States today, with a quarter of them found in the East Coast area. Many of the victims are elderly and live in apartment buildings that remain cut off from electricity and other services.

Jewish Agency officials stress the organization sends aid to Jews in need worldwide and this is yet another example.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)