Chabad Tsunami Relief

Ami Ellenberg

I had been volunteering for weeks, purchasing and distributing relief supplies for survivors of the tsunami throughout three provinces in southern Thailand , when I first met Rabbis Zalman and Yosef from Chabad.

"Chabad assisted over seventy displaced villagers with supplies, giving not just general necessities, but tailoring to the needs of each individual, such as procuring beach chairs and umbrellas for a local family to get their beachside business up and running again."

We were at a meeting of volunteers and NGO's organized by Thai Together, a group newly- formed in response to the tsunami. My funds — donations by friends in America — were running low, when I received a new assignment: A Catholic priest from Bangkok was requesting help with supplies for the villagers of Thap Tawan, in Phang Nga province.

The Rabbis offered their assistance, and together with Marc Friedman, another American, we purchased and delivered supplies for over 600 villagers. The supplies ran the whole gamut, providing the villagers with everything they needed, from soap to sarongs.

The day we first arrived with the provisions is etched deeply in my heart; the words of the village headman still bring a smile to my face. “Today my people are happy, today is the first day I have had no complaints!"

"This incredible generosity and care, without the need to sell religion while offering help, I had seen nowhere else. "

Rabbi Zalman smiled to hear of their joy and then said, "When you are back on your feet again, turn to someone who needs help, and offer your support to them" — This incredible generosity and care, without the need to sell religion while offering help, I had seen nowhere else.

After that first village, we continued on, aiding the displaced villagers of Kamala, Phuket. I had been a resident of Kamala just two years before, and the devastation caused by the tsunami affected me personally. Chabad assisted over seventy displaced villagers with supplies, giving not just general necessities, but tailoring to the needs of each individual, such as procuring beach chairs and umbrellas for a local family to get their beachside business up and running again.

With Chabad's help I was able to complete the projects I had taken on and leave Thailand knowing I had done my part to respond to this enormous tragedy, aiding people I hold dear in my heart. My life is forever changed by this experience; I felt called by G-d to do what I did, and I am a better person for it.

Kon Jai Dii Dii

The greatest compliment one can be given in Thailand is "kon jai dii dii" —“you are truly good-hearted.”

Throughout my relief efforts in Thailand , I was seen for who I was, a simple person with a great mission, to be of service in difficult times. I had nothing to gain, no religion to sell. Just a deep calling to help those who couldn't help themselves and the wherewithal to provide it because of the financial and spiritual support of great friends. . We did that. All of you who supported me, financially and with prayers. So I extend to you their honor.

'Tuk kon, jai dii dii.' You have a wonderfully good heart, and thank you.

Ami Ellenberg is a professional masseuse and trained health therapist in Santa Cruz, California where she continues to fundraise for Tsunami relief efforts.