AIRF – No office. No salaries. No costs. 50,000 checks distributed worth over $16 Million!

Bitter winds of uncertainty and anxiety are blustering in the American economy. People who were once secure in their incomes and confident in their savings, are suddenly awakening to a new reality. Pillars of finance once thought to be rock-solid, are now twisting in the gusts of bad news. No one knows what tomorrow will bring and more importantly, how it will affect their own bottom line.

This state of economic insecurity is nothing new to thousands of Israeli families. This is the reality they have been living for over six years. Except that their concern is not with stock options or 401ks, but with bread, milk, utility bills, and similar basic necessities. They are up at night agonizing over how they will possibly make it to the end of the month. Ever since the Israeli government enacted sweeping cuts in the social aid programs that were keeping the poorest segments of society – including thousands of Bnei Torah – afloat, their financial situation has looked increasingly grim. Ever more so lately, as the shock waves of the American economic difficulties have spread throughout the world, further limiting potential sources of support from Kollel checks to tzedaka, it has gotten much worse.

At the outset of this crisis some five years ago, Rav Dovid Shustal Shlit’a took the lead in launching what has increasingly been seen as the response of the American Bnai Torah to alleviate their brothers plight, the American Israeli Relief Fund (AIRF). Subsequently, Maran Hagon Rav Shmuel Berenbaum ZATZAL served as Nasi. He displayed tremendous personal involvement and dedication, hosting a yearly gathering for the benefit of the Keren in his Sukka in Eretz Yisroel, and spearheading the fundraising efforts.

Over the past five years the AIRF has given out over $16,000,000 to assist these families. The bulk of the funds was disbursed in the twice yearly pre-Yomtov distributions, in which over 50,000 checks were handed out. Everything is overseen by eminent Gabboei Tzedaka as well as Gedolim in Eretz Yisroel and America, and the expenses are underwritten by a few generous individuals ensuring that the maximum amount of aid reaches those who need it most. Although the dollars value vs. the shekel has decreased by some 16% over the past year, the shekel amount given out has not changed, resulting in a significantly larger budget.

Exactly one year ago Maran Hagon Rav Shmuel Berenbaum ZATZAL traveled from Brooklyn to Lakewood under extreme conditions. His illness had R”L prevented him from leaving his home, and his family urged him not to make the trip. Yet the Rosh Yeshiva ignored their pleas and made the difficult trip to the annual Asifa to benefit the organization he treasured so dearly. All those who attended can never forget the Kovod Hatorah that was given by thousands of Bnei Torah to the Gadol Hador. The singing of “Yomim Al Yimei Melech” when the frail Rosh Yeshiva entered the room still rings in everyone’s ears…..

Just two weeks after that, the Rosh Yeshiva traveled to Eretz Yisroel for Sukkos. Accompanied with a Paramedic and his family close by, he once again managed to arrive safely at his home in Bnei Brak. As the days of Sukkos passed, the Rosh Yeshivas strength deteriorated. No one dreamt that he would attend the annual Asifa in Eretz Yisroel- yet at the last moment he gathered all his strength and travelled to Yerushalayim – to the Sukka of the noted Askan Reb Rubin Schron.

The Rosh Yeshiva arrived and delivered what was to be his last plea on behalf of the organization which he was Moser Nefesh the last years of his life for. [Click HERE to see photos and video of the “Last Asifa”.]

Tonight in Lakewood is the annual Asifa to benefit AIRF. Hagon Rav Moshe Shapiro Shlita from Eretz Yisroel is scheduled to speak, as is Rav Ahrohom Berenbaum Shlita, one of the children of the Rosh Yeshiva ZATZAL. It will take place at the Bais Faiga Hall and begin at 10:00PM.

If you are unable to attend this Asifa,, please click HERE and donate to this worthy organization which will be distributing your donated money in the NEXT WEEK.

This is without a doubt a difficult time for everyone. However, making the extra effort now to extend ourselves in support of our desperate Israeli brethren, will certainly be noted in Shamayim, and in turn may we all be inscribed for a Kesiva Vechasima Tova.

Tonight’s Asifa is Lezecher Nishmas Maran Hagon Rav Shmuel Berenbaum ZATZAL.

(Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN / AIRF)