During his recent trip to Haiti, it was easy for Rabbi Allan Tuffs of Hollywood’s Temple Beth El to feel sadness at the amount of human suffering caused by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the country in January. But after seeing the smiling faces of the 30 children he helps support, the feeling transformed to inspiration from their unyielding faith and hope.Tuffs, along with a group of 21 people, traveled to Haiti last month on a work-study mission as part of Hollywood CARES, an interfaith organization that supports HIV-infected orphans in Haiti.
Founded by Tuffs and the Rev. Kennedy McGowan of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood in 2006, the organization established a facility in Port au Prince three years ago for eight HIV-infected children and has funded it ever since. In addition, Hollywood CARES established and supports a school for 30 children.
Tuffs said they made the decision to fund these projects after a member of his congregation traveled to Haiti and shared his experiences with them. After convincing the member to return to Haiti and show him around, Tuffs made the decision to help Project Papillon, a Haitian organization, establish the house and school for the children.
The purpose of the organization’s latest trek was twofold: first, the group helped repair damage inflicted upon the orphanages and school by the devastating earthquake, and second, the group worked on building a new youth and community center to not only help children dealing with the trauma of the earthquake but also provide the community with a meeting center.
“These kids really appreciate everything we’re doing for them, and they’re thriving,” Tuffs said. “Our facility is an oasis of hope and success in a country lacking in the two.”
Because of a grant from the Union for Reform Judaism, Hollywood CARES had the funds to supply its new community center with a $10,500 generator and new computers. The facility also contains a music academy.
“We’re trying to give these children the resources they need to grow physically, psychologically and educationally,” Tuffs said. “We’re committed to giving them at least a high-school education, so they can go out into Haitian society and take action to develop their country.”
The mission also provided Hollywood CARES members with the chance to interact with the children they have supported over the last few years. Tuffs said they sang songs and even showed them card tricks.
“We always spend time playing with the kids and getting to know them,” he said. “They’re always very warm and sweet.”
The work Rabbi Tuffs has completed – work he still plans to continue – has given him the opportunity to do something worthwhile and lasting, he said.
“I feel it’s my duty to try and fix the world where it’s broken,” he said. “I feel commanded to try and ease human suffering.”
For information about Hollywood CARES, call Temple Beth El at 954-920-8225.
