Chai Lifeline mourns the tragic loss of Lori Gilbert Kaye, who was murdered in the horrific April 27 attack at Chabad of Poway Synagogue, and prays for the speedy recovery of all those injured.
“Chai Lifeline stands in solidarity with the Jewish community of San Diego during this difficult time and we express our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all impacted,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chief Executive Officer of Chai Lifeline. “This heinous act of violence and anti-Semitism has shaken our community, and we encourage anyone in need to avail themselves of Chai Lifeline’s resources.”
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, guidelines were issued by Project Chai, the crisis intervention, trauma and bereavement department of Chai Lifeline, offering helpful tips for addressing children’s reactions to the traumatic event.
Within hours of the attack, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Project Chai’s Director of Interventions and Community Education, mobilized his team throughout the Southern California Jewish community, providing crisis intervention and one-on-one counseling. Dr. Fox and the Project Chai team, along with Rabbi Scholar, met with local community leaders, rabbis and educators, and consulted with federal and local law enforcement.
“Death, under any circumstance, is a painful and troubling event to face. Willful, hate-filled terrorism, in our cities, in our sacred places which are dedicated to worship and outreach, is beyond horrifying,” said Dr. Fox. “When a person has taken the life of another, and when homicide erupts within our community, the impact on us, whether as adults or children, has a discernible and traumatizing impact.”
The Poway attack hit close to home for Chai Lifeline. Lori Gilbert-Kaye was the beloved sister of Randi Grossman, director of Chai Lifeline West Coast. Gilbert-Kaye dedicated her life to helping others and was a proud supporter of many worthy causes, including her sister’s important work at Chai Lifeline. Lori’s last Facebook posts reflect her strong ties to the organization and deep connection with Chai Lifeline’s mission of providing social, emotional and financial support to children living with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses and their families.
[HERO SPEAKS: Iraq War Veteran Recounts Moment He Rushed Poway Chabad Shooter [VIDEO]
To honor her memory and in keeping with her legacy of caring for others, Lori’s family has established the Lori Gilbert-Kaye z”l Memorial Fund at www.chailifeline.org/lori.
Project Chai encourages anyone with questions or concerns to contact [email protected] or 855-3-CRISIS.
[Statement By Chabad-Lubavitch Headquarters on the Fatal Poway Shooting]
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