Sep 18, 2005 -- New York, NY, Sept. 15-- Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) is spearheading massive relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina on behalf of the Houston and New Orleans Jewish Federations in response to a request from Mr. Lee Wunch of the Jewish Federation in Houston. Upon receiving Mr. Wunch’s call, Rabbi Moshe Bellows, director of social and organizational leadership training at CJF, assembled a response team of three trained YU alumni and got on a plane without a moment’s hesitation. The alumni are Aliza Abrams, a presidential fellow at the Center for the Jewish Future (CJF), Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, a YU alumnus and assistant rabbi in West Orange, NJ, ordained at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and Phil Moskowitz, a third-year semikhah student at RIETS. They are creating several initiatives to assist the Jewish and broader community in Houston. “Our immediate responsibility was to organize Operation Compassion, an interfaith initiative to coordinate volunteer efforts at George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston,” explained Mr. Moskowitz. “Each religious denomination, depending on its size, was given specific dates to assume responsibility for volunteer efforts at the center. Aryeh, Aliza, and I are very proud to be here, and, as observant Jews, and to represent the affiliated community through YU/CJF.” As a result of the extraordinary work of the corps of volunteers at Houston’s Astrodome and convention center, it is anticipated that all refugees will be moved to temporary housing by Sept.18. Therefore, Sept.15-16 were designated Operation Compassion Jewish Volunteer Days. “I am proud and inspired by the dedication of our alumni,” said Rabbi Kenneth Brander, dean of CJF. “Their team work and commitment to the Jewish community and beyond have set an example for us all.” Smartvolunteer.org, a Web site dedicated to matching volunteers with opportunities, has agreed to match the needs of evacuees to donors wishing to make contributions or send household items or clothing. “We are working closely with Rabbi Ranon Teller of B’rith Shalom, a Conservative synagogue in Houston, and Rabbi Barry Gelman of United Orthodox Synagogues,” said Rabbi Lightstone. “We have been welcomed with open arms by the community and are being hosted in the home of Baruch Brody, an influential leader of the greater Houston community.” All of the activities are being conducted jointly by all denominations of the Jewish spectrum, which has added another meaningful dimension to this experience. Another initiative will allow schools and communities around the country to sponsor the purchase and furnishing of apartments for displaced people. “We are also assessing the Judaica needs of the New Orleans community and will provide them with religious articles, Torah scrolls, and prayers books as the High Holidays approach,” said Mr. Moskowitz. Individuals interested in making contributions are strongly encouraged to contact the response team at yuhelps@gmail.com to ascertain what goods are needed prior to sending them. Funds are urgently needed. Donations can be made online at HoustonJewish.org.