Following the devastating floods in Hunt and Kerr County, Chabad of Boerne, Texas, sprang into action. Led by shliach Rabbi Yossi Marrus, they partnered with local leaders and volunteers to deliver aid, food, and support.
By Anash.org reporter
As devastating floods swept through Hunt, Kerrville, and the surrounding parts of Kerr County, Chabad of Boerne quickly mobilized to help those impacted – just 40 minutes from the hardest-hit areas.
Triggered by intense rainfall in the early hours of Friday morning, the Guadalupe River – which winds through the Texas Hill Country, including Kerrville and Hunt – rose rapidly, surging more than 29 feet in less than an hour. The river, normally a scenic backdrop for summer camps and small towns, turned deadly as it overflowed its banks, unleashing powerful flash floods across Kerr County.
Entire homes were swept away, roads were destroyed, and vehicles vanished under the current. The flooding claimed at least 68 lives in Kerr County alone, with the statewide death toll reaching 80 (as of this writing). Among the victims were 28 children, including many campers from Camp Mystic in Hunt, where at least 10 girls and a counselor remain missing. The search continues with over 400 first responders – including helicopters, boats, drones, and canine units – working around the clock.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in multiple counties, calling the flooding “one of the worst natural disasters our state has faced,” and urged residents to remain vigilant with more rain in the forecast.
President Donald Trump said he expects to visit Texas later this week after catastrophic flooding caused extensive death and destruction in the state.
“Probably on Friday,” Trump told reporters on Sunday when asked about visiting the state. “We wanted to leave a little time. I would’ve done it today, but we’d just be in their way.”
Earlier on Sunday, Trump signed a major disaster declaration for hard-hit Kerr County.
“Right before Shabbos, we were checking on people,” Rabbi Yossi Marrus, director of Chabad of Boerne, told Anash.org. “But over Shabbos, we began to hear just how bad it really was – entire communities were overwhelmed, and lives were tragically lost.”
By Motzei Shabbos, Rabbi Marrus and his team began coordinating relief efforts. “We reached out to people, and Chabad.org immediately helped us set up a relief website,” he said. “From there, things started moving quickly.”
A key turning point came when Rabbi Marrus connected with Boerne City Council Member Ty Wolosin, who helped launch a partnership with Bunker Branding, a local merchandise company with strong ties to the Kerrville area. Together, they organized donation collection and distribution for those in need.
“One truck of supplies has already gone out,” said Rabbi Marrus. “We had to pause because of more rain expected, but iy”H we’ll be sending more tomorrow.” Volunteers and caterers are also lined up, ready to provide hot meals and essentials to those affected.
“The Rebbe put us here to help anyone in need,” Rabbi Marrus emphasized. “My hope is that a huge Kiddush Hashem comes out of this – especially in a time of rising antisemitism.”
To donate or get involved, visit Chabad of Boerne.
VIDEO:
Discussion
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.