HILLEL ACADEMY OF TAMPA SUFFERS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE MILTON

Jewish Day School Appeals for Help as Families and Staff Face Significant Losses During the High Holy Days

Tampa, FL, October 15 – Hillel Academy of Tampa, a cornerstone of the local Jewish community for over 50 years, sustained hundreds of thousands in damage from Hurricane Milton. The storm’s destruction hit the school especially hard as it occurred during the Jewish High Holy Days, a time when the community traditionally gathers for reflection and renewal.

Damage to its facilities is extensive, with the middle school building experiencing the worst impact, including a collapsed roof, destroyed flooring, and the need for extensive drywall replacement. Additionally, most of the curriculum supplies must be repurchased. The primary school’s roof is compromised, a classroom in the Early Learning Center suffered minor flooding, the lunch pavilion’s fabric roof requires replacement, and AC units in the gym have been damaged. The school also lost $8,000 worth of fresh food for students.

While insurance will help, the academy faces substantial challenges in making essential repairs to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. "It was devastating to witness this damage during Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and reflection," said Amy Basham, Hillel Academy’s Head of School. "Our school is the heart of this community, and right now, we are focused on doing everything we can to restore a sense of normalcy for our students, staff, and families—many of whom are dealing with their own personal losses."

Many faculty members and families have also been personally affected by the hurricane, some displaced from their homes, adding to the urgency of getting the school fully operational as soon as possible. Hillel Academy serves students from a wide geographic area, and the school’s rebuilding efforts are critical for not only the students but the larger community.

The school has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of urgent repairs, learning materials, and infrastructure restoration. Hillel Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, welcomes tax-deductible donations through its website at Donations to Hillel Academy