The Yakiimo were distributed by the thousands and were an incredible success, everyone loved them and waited for the ‘’Yakimo Rabbi’’ for the next time he came with a big smile. The children also came to say thank you to the Rabbi and his staff. One day, as it was getting warmer, the kids said that they love Yakiimo but they would love Ice cream even more! The Rabbi promised that he would bring them Ice cream next time. Rabbi…
Rabbi Edery visited and brought relief to the people of Tohoku many times, while they were living in the city halls and then in the caravans. These caravans served as interim homes for the survivors until a new area would be built for them by the government. On one such visit, Rabbi Edery knocked on the door of the caravan, to ask how the family was coping and see how they were adjusting to their new reality. He wanted to…
Communities in Tohoku, whose homes were wiped away were given the choice by the Japanese government to receive an alternative piece of land and rebuild their entire community in another area, or get compensation money individually and they can choose where to move to.Iwanuma community requested to be moved all together to a new area. This would take time, so the government gave caravans for the people to live in until the new area would be decided and prepared.The caravans…
Rabbi Edery and volunteers for Chabad Japan organized many events in the months after the Tsunami. The goal of these events was to strengthen the unity and good feeling among the people. To make them feel happy, loved and cared for. These events gave them the feeling that they were not alone, and someone is thinking about them. Rabbi Edery organized BBQs, with best cuts of meat from National Azabu Supermarket. Since the Rabbi has a longstanding relationship with the…
When the Tsunami happened on March 11, 2011, the Japanese people were stricken with extreme fear. There was the threat of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Many people were afraid to go outside. Many basic necessities were gone from the store racks because people were buying in panic. Embassies sent out mails urging their citizens to go back home. Narita was packed with people sleeping in the airport lobby waiting for upcoming flights. Panic and fear loomed in…