International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
“Immigrant absorption is at the very heart of Zionism and we will do everything possible to welcome these olim with love and open arms,” said Jewish Agency Chair Doron Almog.
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has distributed $23 million dollars in emergency support for the Ukrainian Jewish community and 4,500 new immigrants to Israel.
Pedro Guinzberg, 21, who grew up in a small Jewish community in the Argentinian city of Bahía Blanca, says the choice to make Israel his home came out of a love for the Jewish people.
“Many have been waiting for decades for this moment; we see it as a central Zionist ideal to make reunions possible,” said Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
The refugees are immigrating under an expedited process recently approved by the Israeli government.
“It was a difficult trip because it took many hours,” said 11-year-old Ilana Moskvitch, who arrived with her parents and two younger brothers. Still, she insisted, “I wasn’t scared.”
“I don’t believe what I’m seeing,” says Benny Hadad, director of Aliyah and absorption for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. “I was in this place a month ago on a routine visit from Odessa to Chisinau. Everything was pastoral and quiet, and suddenly it looks like a world war.”
Items will include dry food, medicine, blankets and heaters to last up to three months in the event of war.
It also provided security staff in the city with 25 protective vests.
10,000 elderly residents in public housing across Israel receive winter kits
“Too many people face the inhumane choice between heating their homes and buying food or medicine,” said Yael Eckstein, president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
“This is the closing of a particularly moving circle; entire families are being reunited in Israel,” said Amira Ahronoviz, director general of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Funds will go towards food and clothing for 33,000 families, the elderly, schoolchildren and lone soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces.
