OBK and SmartAID support for California
Yossi Segelman worked with Rabbi David Slavin in Bondi’s Our Big Kitchen for 12 years before moving to Los Angeles, where he established a sister OBK and now working around the clock offering support wherever needed by those affected by the wildfires.
Yossi Segelman in the LA OBK yesterday
Now, OBKLA is supporting emergency workers and displaced families in the devastation caused by wildfires in Los Angeles.
Over the past 24 hours, the kitchen has prepared and delivered more than 1,000 kosher meals and thousands of hand-made chocolate-chip cookies to first responders, evacuation centres, and families who reached out directly to those affected by the crisis.
With a team of more than 400 dedicated volunteers, OBKLA has worked tirelessly to cook, pack, and distribute meals throughout the city. These meals are healthy, hand-packed, nourishing, and made with love to fuel the LA community, especially in the face of tragedy.
OBKLA, a kosher meal prep kitchen, has stepped up to support emergency workers and displaced families amid recent devastation in Los Angeles. Over the past 24 hours, the kitchen has prepared and delivered more than 1,000 meals daily, as well as thousands of hand-made chocolate-chip cookies, to first responders, evacuation centres, and families who reached out directly that have been affected by the crisis and OBKLA agency partners.
Yossi Segelman, OBKLA’s Executive Director, said: “This outpouring of support highlights the incredible strength and unity of our community. We are honored to be able to serve those who are working around the clock to protect and care for others, as well as those who have lost so much in the wake of this disaster.”
He said that OBKLA remains committed to providing relief in the coming days and has the capacity to produce and distribute thousands of meals a day, ensuring that everyone in need has access to nutritious, wholesome kosher meals.
Although not directly connected, OBKLA shares directors with OBK Sydney and sports the same logo. Rabbi Dr David Slavin told J-Wire that a day rarely passes without talking to Sydney’s Californian namesake.
Delivery
Rabbi Slavin said: “We share ideas and projects. Although not named OBK, we have had a hand in establishing other Chabad-run kitchens in other parts of the world.
We have been part of ‘counter disaster’ for NSW for 15 years, including bushfires, flooding and other disasters. On Sep 11th 2024, I was appointed Chaplain to NSW Fire & Rescue.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog tweeted on X: “I am deeply saddened by the terrible wildfires in Los Angeles. From Israel, I send encouragement to all those affected, and my support to @POTUS, Governor @GavinNewsom, the U.S. government, and the state of California.
We are following with concern and admiration the heroic efforts of the first responders, firefighters, policemen, paramedics, and volunteers who are risking their lives to save others. Our thoughts are with all those affected so terribly as well as with our Jewish sisters and brothers, mourning the loss of synagogues and institutions, while stepping up to help their communities and beyond.”
