The Joint Distribution Committee office here was informed today that the two synagogues in flood-devastated Florence, as well as the Jewish Home for the Aged, the Jewish schools, the community office and library and all community services have been put out of action.
The information was contained in a report to the JDC office in Rome from the Union of Italian Jewish Communities which was transmitted to the JDC office here. The Union declared that “it is impossible to meet the cost of the damages with our means” and that it was counting on joint efforts of the Union and Italian Jewry. The telegram to the Rome JDC office was signed by President Benavi of the Rome Jewish community.
Chief Rabbi Elio Toaff of Rome and Secretary Anau of the Union arranged for a truckload of food to be sent to Florence Jews, which included four tons of JDC relief supplies. The two Jewish leaders returned to Rome tonight to prepare a complete report on the situation to the JDC.
There are about 1,000 Jews in Florence. The Old Age Home has 60 beds. There are 60 children in the Jewish schools and about 25 Jews receiving relief. The flood caused partial evacuation of the residents of the Home for the Aged. The relief supplies rushed to Florence from Rome will help many Jewish families whose homes and food supplies were damaged by the flood.
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