The body of an electronic letter received today by the St. Louis Jewish Light indicated the identity of a St. Louis-area child injured by a lightning strike at the Union for Reform Judaism Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI), a summer camp located in Zionsville, Indiana. 

The senders of the letter are listed as Jason and Michelle Hoberman and refers to their daughter Lily. The Jewish Light is attempting to contact the family, but has received confirmation of the letter’s receipt by Rabbi Jim Bennett of Congregation Shaare Emeth and another source who preferred to remain unidentified.

Rabbi Bennett, who is in Jerusalem on a study mission, said, “I have been on top of this situation, and of course I pray for the speedy and full recovery of all three of the children.”

The full body of the letter received by the Light reads as follows:

“Dear friends and family,

This Shabbat afternoon, lightning struck a field at the camp Lily and two boys were attending. All three were taken to the hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. Lily is in stable condition, awake and in relatively good spirits. While she is still dealing with some lingering issues, we are so thankful that she has pulled through.

We thank you all so much for your wishes and concern for our daughter’s health. The entire Saint Louis Jewish community has been so supportive and warm in reaching out to us during this difficult time. We consider ourselves incredibly blessed to have Lily still with us and to have such a caring community, including Lily’s friends, classmates and her entire school, which is led by such wonderful leadership. We are saying for ourselves a bit of Mi Sheberach and Shehecheyanu that we and the other families have made it to this day.

Please say an extra special prayer for her friend who is still in critical condition.

With much love and appreciation,

Jason and Michelle Hoberman”

The St. Louis Jewish Light will update this story as more information becomes available.