A devastating fire destroyed two mainstays of the kosher restaurant scene in Highland Park shortly before midnight on Feb. 6. Jerusalem Pizza, located at 231 Raritan Ave. for more than 40 years, was completely destroyed. Next door, China Lee Kosher suffered extensive damage and apartments located above the restaurants were also left in ruins. Both restaurants were owned and operated by Shalom and Yardena Cohen.

A GoFundMe campaign to assist the Cohens and help them rebuild was established by Rabbi Eliyahu Tal of Sephardic Congregation Etz Chaim in Highland Park, after many people approached him seeking to help the Cohens. “The GoFundMe campaign seemed the best way for us to show our gratitude to what they did for the community and anyone who dined there. They performed so much chesed on the behalf of other people, now it is our turn to help,” said Rabbi Tal. To contribute, visit http://tinyurl.com/mrx23rzk.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.