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February 11, 2005/Adar 12 5765, Volume 57, No. 24
Siblings raise money for tsunami victims
HANK NEYER
Contributing Editor
When the tsunami struck Southeast Asia on Dec. 26, Alexander and Talia Kahn were on vacation in Flagstaff with their parents, Ali and Lisa of Arcadia.
The scope of the disaster was not evident in its immediate aftermath, but the children - students at Scottsdale's Pardes Jewish Day School - were moved by the tragedy and decided to do something to help assist the victims.
Alexander, 10, with help from Talia, 7, sent an e-mail to family members, friends and fellow Pardes students.
The letter read, "We have watched the news that showed the destruction and the sadness of the parents who lost their children and the children who lost parents.
"This time of year is a time to be happy and rejoiceful (sic). Who would expect a big disaster like this to happen at this time? The people who have lost homes, friends and family must feel really sad right now. Imagine being on vacation, on the beach, and all of a sudden, a tidal wave comes out of nowhere crushing everything in sight. Imagine the horror. You are powerless against it."
The children wrote that they wanted to raise money to purchase medicine and supplies for those in need, adding, "We together can help to make a difference in the lives of the survivors."
Alexander tells the Jewish News many recipients of the letter wrote back, telling him and sister, "We hope you raise a lot of money."
Lisa Khan says Albertsons pledged to match the fund-raising effort, dollar for dollar. She says her son and daughter raised $2,751.28; with Albertsons match, the effort raised more than $5,500.
Khan says the fund raising was not a school-sponsored event because it occurred during winter break, but that it "reflects the values that the kids are taught at the school and (at) home - the values of tikkun (olam) and l'dor vador that are at the core of the school curriculum."
Alexander says he "did the right thing" for the people in need who lost their homes. Talia chimes in, "It was the right thing to give people money who lost their homes and families and parents."
Alexander, who is an actor with several stage credits, including performances at the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company and the Valley Youth Theatre, reminds readers, "As Jews, it is your responsibility to give tzedakah to tsunami victims to help repair that part of the world." His sister, a member of the Phoenix Girls Choir, nods in agreement.
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