NECHAMA: The Power of Comfort and Hope
“We are not there to pray with the victims or preach to them; we are simply there to stand with them in this moment of crisis, clean up the wreckage, and leave them with a home that is ready to be restored.” – Steve Lear
In 1993, Steve Lear and a few close friends climbed into a car and headed south to Iowa. They were on a volunteer mission to Des Moines, where severe flooding had caused $15 billion in damage. They had no disaster relief training or strategic plan – just a strong commitment to making a difference for their neighbors in need.
The devastation they witnessed mobilized them to organize rapid-response disaster assistance. They began to recruit volunteers and raise funds for a new nonprofit organization named Nechama, the Hebrew word for “comfort.” They drove to wherever disaster struck, bringing money, volunteers, and trailers filled with tools to tackle the physical cleanup. And as they worked to restore homes, they also restored hope. By simply showing up, they helped disaster victims understand they were not alone – somebody cared.
While Nechama’s early efforts were regional, they grew to become a national Jewish disaster relief organization. Today, they continue to thrive, training volunteers of all faiths to deliver assistance, hope, and comfort to people affected by tragedy.
Nechama founder Steve Lear says the powerful lessons he learned while serving on the ground at disaster sites still resonate today. Watching people lose their homes in an instant taught him that “All material items are temporary,” so it’s better to value relationships and experiences over possessions. Another important lesson was, “Nothing gets done by yourself…the key behind organizational management is getting the right people in the right place at the right time.” Nechama is a testament to the power of collaboration.
In a moving documentary, Steve and his friends reflect on the impact of their work and how it all began. The Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest invites you to watch their inspiring story.
