Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and his wife, Britainy, canceled a planned trip to Israel after devastating floods hit the eastern part of his state late last week, killing at least 37 people, including four children—a number that is expected to rise in the next few days.
“I cannot be overseas while the people of eastern Kentucky are suffering and while the region will be in a critical stage over the coming weeks,” the governor said on Monday as he pitched in to help at home. “I promised the people yesterday that I would be there for them—today, tomorrow and in the coming weeks—and I am going to keep that promise.”
U.S. President Joe Biden declared the area a disaster zone on July 29, allowing for federal aid to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The State of Israel is among those sending aid to help with relief efforts in Kentucky through Chabad of Kentucky’s social-service arm, Project Friendship, which provides clothing, shoes and household goods to people in need. Chabad delivered more than $100,000 worth of supplies to eastern Kentucky on Monday alone.
“At this difficult time,” she continued, “Israel stands with the people of Kentucky, and our consulate is grateful to be able to join in an effort of offering some assistance to those in need.”