Argentinian Shluchim Rescue Belongings from Flooded Home in Urgent Truck Evacuation

On March 7, 2025, Rabbi Shmuel and Shterni Freedman, along with their four children, were rescued from their flooded home in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, due to unprecedented torrential rains. The flooding has already resulted in the deaths of 13 people and caused significant damage across the city.

Bahía Blanca has been hit by unprecedented torrential rains, resulting in over ten inches of rainfall within a few hours. This extreme weather has caused catastrophic flooding, destroying infrastructure, including bridges and roads. The Freedmans, who serve the local Jewish community of 1,600, realized the urgency of their situation as floodwaters rose in their home, which also functions as their Chabad center.

As the flooding worsened, the Freedmans coordinated with Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in Buenos Aires for emergency assistance. They evacuated their home just hours before Shabbos, using phones from their second-floor balcony to connect with rescue teams. The family was ultimately rescued by emergency personnel who rappelled to their balcony and helped them escape one by one.

The aftermath of the flooding has left significant damage at the Chabad center. The soup kitchen, which serves around 200 families weekly, was destroyed, and their newly renovated facilities were severely impacted. Miraculously, the synagogue and Torah scrolls on the upper level remained intact. Rabbi Freedman has since returned to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts for the community.

The Freedmans are focused on rebuilding their community and providing aid to those affected by the flooding. They are working to restock essential supplies and offer support to families in need. Despite the challenges, they express gratitude for their safety and the resilience of their community.