On Thursday evening, the emissaries joined Rabbi Edery in his weekly trips to Fukushima and Sendai to help with the relief efforts. They saw the enormous destruction for hundreds of kilometers. They went to the shelters in Minami Soma which is in Fukushima, and gave out food to the evacuees. They brought cases and cases of Ice cream for 2,000 people in the shelters, who were thrilled with the surprise. The children and adults were very touched by the thoughtfullness of the Chabad team, who thought to bring a little sweetness in their lives. The emissaries were very moved by the constant relief effort that Rabbi Edery and Chabad Japan volunteers have been doing since right after the Tsunami. They made a special prayer in Fukushima asking G-d for continued protection for the people of Japan.
Chabad of Asia, bringing ice-cream to people in Minamisoma City
Chabad Japan Volunteers deliver ice-cream to evacuees
Sweetness, together with joy, is delivered to children from Chabad Japan, united with Chabad of Asia
Chabad of Asia deliver ice-cream to evacuees
Chabad of Asia visit disaster area with Chabad Japan volunteers
This year Chabad of Asia held its annual conference in Tokyo, in support of the people of Japan and Rabbi Binyomin Edery’s unwavering faith during this difficult time, who stayed in Japan during the Tsunami and stood strong in support of the Jews and Japanese of Japan.
On Thursday 10 Rabbis arrived from all over Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Philipines and Australia. They went to visit Jewish people in prison encouraged and brought happiness to them.
Rabbis of Chabad Asia, gathered together, visit prisoners in Chiba Prison.Rabbis of Chabad Asia, in front of Chiba Prison
Rabbi Edery and Muto san together with Chabad volunteers drive up to Sendai three times a week to distribute food, clothes and necessary items to the people in the shelters and families in the affected areas. Every trip they rent a 1 ton truck and fill it up with goods to be distributed. Special thanks to the CEO of National Azabu, Mr. Sezaki and head manager Mr. Dale Toriumi, for their ongoing help in organizing food and clothes drives. They also put charity boxes for customers to help monetarily and encourage their customers to take part in this important and crucial cause. The people in the shelters are incredibly thankful and appreciative of the dedication Rabbi Edery, Muto san and all the volunteers have for them.
Food and clothes pickup.
National Azabu food and clothes drive. Rabbi Edery and Chabad volunteers come with a truck, a few times a week to pick up the collected items, to be distributed to the people in the shelters.
Unloading
After driving the whole night the truck arrives in Sendai and is unloaded in Muto san’s house, aka Chabad of Sendai.
Unloading, Chabad Sendai.
Huge pile of food and clothes at Mr. Muto’s house, after unloading.
Rabbi Edery never ceases to amaze with his ingenious ideas to help people. He rented special trucks that prepare hot food- delicous Yakimos for the refugees in the different shelters. The people were so happy and touched by this kindness. An elderly woman started to cry when it was her turn and they told her it was for free.
The governor of Miyagi prefecture, Mr.Yoshihiro Murai, personally came to thank Rabbi Edery and Muto san for their tireless work to help the people. He bowed and said, ” I can’t thank you enough for your great kindness.”.
Chabad Tokyo distributes National Azabu products and foods and necessities in in Sendai
The head manager and staff of National Azabu have been moved and inspired by Rabbi Edery and Chabad Japan volunteer efforts that they agreed to put a big basket in the store for shoppers to donate food items for the relief efforts. Rabbi Edery will pick up the donated items a few times a week, and will distribute them to the refugees. Special thanks to Mr. Toriumi, Mr. Aoki, Mr. Muto and Dr. Simon Chichello to make this joint project possible. National Azabu manager donates food for Rabbi Edery's relief efforts
