Woolsey fire destroys Jewish summer camps near Malibu
Two Jewish camps in the Malibu hills have been charred by the Woolsey fire as it churned through buildings at Camp Hess Kramer and Camp Hilltop.
“Those of us who love the Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps are heartbroken by the likely loss of at least some structures due to the Woolsey fire,” read a letter posted to the Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps website. “Despite these losses we know in our hearts that camp is what happens inside and around buildings, not the buildings themselves. Fire cannot destroy memories. Camp has always been about community, friendship and Torah; about the who and the what, not the where.”
The deadly fire which claimed the life of two people, consumed tens of thousands of acres by Monday morning, Nov. 12, destroyed more than 150 structures and forced hundreds of thousands in Los Angeles and Ventura counties to evacuate.
“We all have such a great love for these camps and while there is still uncertainty, we gather tonight with our camp family for (H)avdallah,” read a post from the Camp Hess Kramer Facebook page. “We come together from near and far and show our strength in the community through our collective voice.”
According to officials with the camps, everyone was safely evacuated from camp well ahead of the fire, as were their Torah scrolls.
“Once the full extent of the damage is assessed we will announce our plans for the summer of 2019. In the meantime, let us embrace this opportunity to do what our people have done for 3,500 years—rebuild with faith in the future.”
The camps — owned by Wilshire Boulevard Temple, one of Los Angeles’ largest synagogues — have been operating for more than 65 years, according to the website, and have provided a camp experience for Jewish families throughout that time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the first responders working so hard to protect life and property and to those who are suffering. May we begin a new week with them and each other in our prayers,” the letter to parents closed.