Letters to Kobe : ‘Our Hearts Go Out’

Donations: Many people who sent checks to the Japan America Society’s quake relief fund also sent notes. Here are a few.

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I am Mexican-American and I grew up on Juanita Street, near Temple and Vermont, among a lot of Japanese people. They all spoke Spanish to me, as that was my first language. Just the kindness of these people was very important in my life--one man who was so dear, a gardener, would stand there with a plant for me to take to the teacher when I was late for school.

Then World War II came and the Japanese all disappeared like a vapor, taken to camps. As a small child, I didn’t understand what was going on.

Now, I’ve been to Japan many times. I’m an artist and was a guest of the city of Nagoya when one of my sculptures was given by the city of Los Angeles as a celebration of the 25th year of sister cities.

I just love the Japanese people. When I first saw the news reports of the earthquake, they talked about everyone rushing to see if others were OK. One American businessman was interviewed and said his Japanese associate rushed out on a bicycle to see if he was all right.

Please accept this small donation for the Kobe Relief Fund. The devastation of the earthquake is horrible. I wish it was within my means to contribute more.

DORA DE LARIOS

Los Angeles

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I’m so glad you’ve set up this fund My heart goes out to the victims of this terrible quake and their families. I lost my home in the Northridge quake and as devastating as this was, I can’t imagine the pain of the great human loss these people have suffered. I hope in a small way my contribution will help some displaced person or grieving family member.

HILARY ALEXANDER

Los Angeles

So very sorry I cannot send more money. I don’t have a job so my money is limited. Peace be to all.

Y. B.

Long Beach

Our hearts go out to the people of Kobe and of Japan. Living here in the San Fernando Valley, we understand the shock and pain the survivors are going through. The Japanese were so quick to help us after the Northridge earthquake, I hope every person here remembers to return the kindness.

M. M.

Canoga Park

My first trip out of the United States was in April, 1992 and was to the beautiful city and people of Kobe. We have many friends there and our hearts are broken at what we have seen of this tragedy. We are numb and so worried about our friends. Our prayers are with them all.

JUDITH DURST

Palmdale

God help you in your work. We have enjoyed having several Japanese students in our home. The students have been part of a Cal State Northridge exchange program. They have been the most gracious, outstanding young people.

Wish we could send more. If there is anything else we can do, please call.

C. G.

Northridge

To get involved, call the Japan America Society at (213) 627-6217.

‘I lost my home in the Northridge

quake and as devastating as this was,

I can’t imagine the pain of the

loss these people have suffered.’