More than100 orphans celebrate their bar mitzvah at Western Wall The annual event, organized by the Colel Chabad charity group, was nearly canceled this year amid soaring tensions between Israel and Iran. April 17, 2024
St. Louis-area restaurant going kosher for a day, proceeds headed for Israel “When I saw the images and videos on TV, I knew I couldn’t sit idly by—I had to do something,” said Bob Affholder, owner of Novellus. Bill Motchan Oct. 23, 2023
Ukraine’s Jews escape trauma to new lives in Israel More than 5,000 olim have made aliyah from Moldova since the start of the war. Israel Kasnett Feb. 19, 2023
As storm batters Israel, Chabad program brings warmth to Holocaust survivors Over 200 volunteers brave winter conditions to deliver portable heaters, blankets and prepared meals to 300 elderly and Shoah survivors in Jerusalem. Feb. 8, 2023
Baby-formula distribution to begin as part of Israel’s food-security program It will start with 3,150 families, acknowledging that formula is one of the most shoplifted items in the Jewish state. Aug. 15, 2022
A staple in Jerusalem: Pantry Packers helps fill shopping carts during Passover and year-round Families typically receive 500 shekels ($155) of food per month, consisting of fruit and vegetables, dry goods and money on a debit card that can be used in supermarkets for perishables, adhering to the specific religious and dietary needs of diverse communities. Howard Blas April 13, 2022
Refugee orphan boys from Zhytomyr celebrate bar mitzvah at Western Wall “I don’t know how to explain what I am feeling. I can only say I am very happy, and this is a special day,” said 13-year-old Tima Kobakov. April 12, 2022
Colel Chabad ‘Get Chesed’ program connects youth with Holocaust survivors As the number of survivors dwindles, many members of the community have been forced to live out their lives in poverty, often alone. Jan. 26, 2022
Three-day retreat for widows and orphans offers support at Hanukkah time “For those who have suffered loss, this program is life-changing,” said Elana, a mother of two. Dec. 5, 2021
