Unprecedented Devastation in Los Angeles
The massive wildfires in western Los Angeles began Tuesday night in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and have since spread to Santa Monica and Malibu. The fires have claimed at least five lives, destroyed approximately 1,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of 130,000 residents. Nearly 1.5 million people remain without power. Officials have deemed this disaster the most severe in the city’s history.
Tishby, a resident of the affected area who was evacuated due to the fires, wrote, “We are witnessing historic events once again. The Los Angeles fires are once-in-a-generation events. Historic. Devastating. We are now evacuating to safety and praying for an end to this disaster.”
We are living through history, yet again. The LA fires are generational. Historical. Devastating. We are now evacuated to safety and praying for an end to this disaster. I am speechless and following the news, like everyone else. Stay safe everyone. Sending so much love.… pic.twitter.com/bdwKfGbsJR
— Noa Tishby (@noatishby) January 9, 2025
Jewish Center Destroyed
In another post, Tishby shared that the synagogue and Jewish center in Pasadena, California, were destroyed in the fires. However, Torah scrolls were saved thanks to the efforts of local Chabad activists.
The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center has been destroyed by wildfires ripping through parts of the Los Angeles area. Praying for everyone’s safety pic.twitter.com/o9vhf2tx63
— Noa Tishby (@noatishby) January 8, 2025
#BREAKING Chabad of the Pacific Palisades has safely evacuated all the Torahs from their building.#PalisadesFire pic.twitter.com/A5ngbIbigH
— Frum TikTok (@FrumTikTok) January 8, 2025
Hollywood Reacts
Tishby is not alone. Other Hollywood stars have also shared their struggles during this crisis. Paris Hilton posted on Instagram, writing, “The heartbreak is beyond words. Watching the news and seeing my Malibu home burn to the ground is devastating. This was where we built so many cherished memories, where my daughter took her first steps, and where we dreamed of a lifetime together.”
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Challenges in Controlling the Flames
Efforts to control the flames are hindered by strong winds, which reached speeds of up to 100 mph (160 kph) at their peak, making aerial firefighting difficult. Compounding the crisis is a significant water shortage. In response, President Joe Biden announced he would cancel his planned trip to Italy, which was set to begin today.
ABC10 Coverage of the Wildfires
