B’nai B’rith International has opened a Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund to aid victims of the California Wildfires that are spreading rapidly across Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is in a state of emergency as five wildfires, fueled by a destructive windstorm that began Tuesday, continue to burn out of control. The Palisades Fire, which has already consumed over 17,000 acres, is now the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles’ history.

The fires have claimed five lives, destroyed more than 2,000 structures and forced at least 179,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

These fires continue to rage, with firefighters struggling to gain control amid powerful winds and dry conditions. Many historic institutions and buildings in the Pacific Palisades lie in ruins, with repairs estimated at $10 billion in damages. Emergency shelters have been set up across the region to assist displaced families, while first responders and volunteers work tirelessly to provide aid. Thousands remain without electricity and deteriorating air quality has prompted health warnings for at-risk residents.

Our longstanding tradition of helping communities in distress began in 1865 in pre-state Israel when B’nai B’rith raised funds to aid victims of a cholera outbreak. Since then, B’nai B’rith has helped countless people across the globe who have faced adversity after natural and man-made disasters. Recent donations to our Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund have been used to help victims of Hurricane Helene.

To assist the victims of the California wildfires, donate to our Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund HERE.

Donors can also call 800-573-9057 to make a credit card contribution over the phone. Or, you can send a check payable to the B’nai B’rith Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund to:

B’nai B’rith International Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund

1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N

Washington, D.C. 20036