Two Venezuelan Jews Killed in Earthquakes as Community Seeks Shelter in Caracas

Less than two hours after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, including the capital Caracas, killing thousands and leaving many missing, the Jewish community began gathering at La Breaka, the community center in Caracas. Families whose homes were rendered uninhabitable spent the night sleeping on beach chairs and in cars parked on the center's soccer field. Over 400 people sought refuge there that night.

Roberto Mishkin, a leader of Venezuela's largest Ashkenazi Jewish community, told Forward that after years of hardships such as massive power outages, the community knows where to turn in crises. He noted that aftershocks continue to shake the area, and many residents fear returning to their high-rise apartments. Community leaders reported that two Jewish members were killed and several others remain missing, with hundreds displaced due to destroyed or severely damaged homes.

Elias Farha, former president of the Sephardic community and ex-leader of the Venezuelan Zionist Federation, described the community as deeply worried and uncertain about returning home. Prior to the earthquake, over 300 Jewish families received food and medicine through local Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. On Friday, community leaders purchased mattresses to improve conditions for evacuees and plan to open a communal kitchen for those unable to afford meals. Mishkin emphasized the community's poverty but affirmed that everyone at the center is currently safe and receiving food.