This donation to Leket isn’t the first time the ambassador has helped an Israeli food bank.
By United with Israel Staff
Ahead of the Passover holiday, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and his wife Tammy have donated $50,000 to Leket Israel, the country’s largest food aid organization, Arutz-7 reported.
This donation is especially timely amid the coronavirus pandemic, as many Israelis have lost their livelihoods due to the lockdown. All businesses have been closed down, except for essential services such as grocery stores and pharmacies.
On hearing the news, Joseph Gitler, Founder and Chairman of Leket Israel, said, “We are truly grateful for the kindness and support of Ambassador David and Tammy Friedman. Thanks to their generosity, Leket will be able to purchase thousands of meals and provide much needed sustenance to those in need across the country in time for Passover.”
“The widespread coronavirus outbreak is affecting every aspect of Israeli society, especially the nonprofit sector,” Gitler told United with Israel recently. “The ripple effects of the measures taken to contain the disease are extremely far-reaching for organizations, businesses and individuals.”
Leket provides food on a weekly basis to 175,000 people. The organization sources, collects and redistributes fresh, high-quality food from farms, hotels, military bases and catering halls to aid the quarter of Israel’s population that lives below the poverty line.
With an end to tourism and events for the time being, the challenge to acquire food is even greater.
This donation to Leket isn’t the first time the ambassador has helped an Israeli food bank. In December, for instance, he volunteered at Pantry Packers, a charity operation by Colel Chabad in Jerusalem, helping to prepare packages for needy families. Colel Chabad is the longest-serving welfare organization in Israel, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare.