​B’nai B’rith International has opened funds from its Flood, Tornado and Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund due to the destructive tornadoes and torrential rains that have plagued Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama and Texas. The storm started early last week, right before Christmas, and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. The disaster left over 40 people dead across the region.
 
At least 14 tornadoes hit Mississippi on Dec. 23, and continued through Tennessee, Texas and Arkansas, destroying everything in its path. Severe flooding in Alabama from a twister that hit Birmingham killed at least 17. Nine tornadoes have devastated North Texas this weekend, leaving over 1,450 homes destroyed and 11 dead. Heavy rains and floods in the Midwest have left 13 dead.
 
B’nai B’rith will utilize its contacts in coalition with other agencies to provide emergency support relief efforts and long-term rebuilding plans.
 
“B’nai B’rith was founded on the principle of helping people that have found themselves in disastrous situations. Going back to 1868, when a flood devastated the streets and homes of Baltimore, B’nai B’rith responded with their first disaster relief fund. We will always provide assistance to those in need,” B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman said.

In May of 2015, the B’nai B’rith Flood, Tornado and Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund aided victims due to the treacherous floods in Texas. Assistance was provided to victims of tornadoes in Moore, Okla., in 2013, as well as to victims of Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012.

“B’nai B’rith will, without fail, always offer help, to anyone, anywhere in need. I commend our volunteers, who are already on the ground assisting in the clean up, for their swift response to this devastating situation. We will continue to monitor the type of supplies and assistance needed in the coming days,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said.