March 1, 2020 10:25 am
Just a month ago, China was home to 10,000 Jews. Today, amidst the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the Jewish population in China has dropped to approximately 250 residents.
In addition to its vibrant resident population, China was a dynamic hub of business and tourism. Each week, countless Jewish travellers found heart and home at one of China’s 13 Chabad Houses. Here, they had a place to eat, pray, connect, learn, laugh, and bond over shared stories and experiences with fellow Jewish residents and visitors.
It was a place where Jews of all backgrounds found common ground.
The spread of the virus has put an, almost, absolute hold on business and tourism. With no foot traffic, funding for these vital institutions has all but dried up, leaving these thirteen integral Jewish centers in crisis.
The campaign at charidy.com/corona is essential to maintaining financial stability during this time of peril. Bills must be paid regardless of the operational status of each Chabad House. These expenses include (but are not limited to), rent, mortgages, main staff salaries, utilities, as well as living expenses for each Shliach and his family.
The collective campaign goal of $1,000,000 is to ease the enormous financial burden that each Chabad House is currently facing.
To join this campaign to “Unite for Jews in China” please visit charidy.com/corona
All funds raised will directly support the thirteen Chabad Houses across Beijing, Shanghai, Yiwu, Kowloon, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Chengdu.
Inquiries about this campaign should be directed to Rabbi Avraham Greenberg at raabi@jewishpudong.com.
