On Thursday, January 5, 2022, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies community and their partners on the ground, Angel Network distributed food parcels to the victims of the Boksburg explosion and prepared food for the funeral of four of the children who succumbed to their injuries.
Following the gas explosion tanker that got stuck under a railway bridge on the 24th of December 2022 that claimed lives of individuals and causing injuries, the SAJBD together with The Angel Network SA has worked tirelessly to assist organisations working on the ground including the Clive Mashishi Foundation, Fingertips of Africa, and the Sibambisene Foundation to help those who were affected through the SAJBD Relief Fund.
“We are pleased that we have been able to assist the casualties of the Boksburg gas explosion since the tragedy unfolded,” said the SAJBD spokesperson, Charisse Zeifert.
Zeifert further mentioned that it has been a humbling journey to be part of the process of lending a helping hand to the victims and their thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected as they try and piece their lives together.
“Between these organisations, we were able to provide over 1 200 meals for over ten different funerals, repaired 120 windows and fixed electricity in damaged buildings, and provide trauma counselling as well as care to the doctors and nurses at the OR Tambo Memorial hospital.
The Angel Network SA wrote, “It wasn’t easy to sit with a family who lost both mother and a child, to meet a man who has such severe burn wounds that need constant assistance, to talk to an 89-year-old woman who was all alone when the explosion damaged huge parts of her home”.
The organisation gave their heartfelt gratitude to their partners and those who assisted with the re-building of homes, for their dedication and commitment.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
