Palisades Fire survivor receives community support after rebuilding funds stolen

After the Palisades Fire and the loss of her husband, Ellen Rudolph had $38,000 stolen by scammers; her synagogue and a GoFundMe campaign have raised funds to help her rebuild.

Ellen Rudolph's home was damaged in last year's Palisades Fire and her husband died months later from cancer. She had been saving money to repair the house. In January she reported that scammers took $38,000 after she responded to an email she believed was from a payment service. Her local community has since stepped in to provide financial and emotional support. Known details: - Rudolph's home was damaged during the Palisades Fire. - Her husband, Steve, died of stage 4 lung cancer in October. - Scammers stole $38,000 that she had been saving for repairs after a phishing-style email. - Kehillat Israel Synagogue donated $10,000 and a GoFundMe begun on Feb. 4 has raised more than $29,000 toward a $35,000 goal. Summary: Community donations have replaced some of the stolen rebuilding funds and offered local support. The fundraiser has reached over $29,000 of its $35,000 goal. Rudolph plans to return to her Palisades home in April.