Powerful Earthquake Strikes Salento, Colombia; $200,000 Emergency Campaign Launched

A powerful earthquake struck the Salento region of Colombia, causing extensive damage to the local Chabad House, which serves Israeli and Jewish travelers visiting the area as well as the broader Jewish community.

Rabbi Shmuel Friedman, who directs the Chabad House, and his family are safe. However, the building sustained severe damage, with the roof and electrical system badly damaged, storage areas destroyed, equipment ruined, and significant portions of the structure affected. Total damage is estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Despite the destruction, the Chabad House has continued to operate as a resource for Israeli travelers and community members in the aftermath of the earthquake.

A $200,000 emergency campaign has been launched to support reconstruction and repairs. The funds are intended to restore the building's essential infrastructure and replace damaged equipment and materials, allowing the facility to remain operational.

The Chabad House has provided Israeli travelers and local Jewish community members with meals, Shabbos observance, and various forms of support. The organization is seeking contributions to restore these services.