A bill is moving forward aimed at easing the hunger among the growing number of Israeli poor and to limit the amount of food being tossed needlessly. According to the numbers, 25% of the food from restaurants, catering halls and dining halls is tossed needlessly. Organizers feel these institutions would be more than pleased to donate the food they toss, but fear to do so because if someone takes ill they could face a lawsuit.
It is pointed out that according to Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institution) there are 1.7 million poor in Israel, children and adults, and something must be done to find new ways to assist them. It is pointed out that are simply too many people who suffer from nutritional insecurity as a result of their difficult fiscal reality.
In light of the harsh statistics, the Leket Yisrael organization, which collects fresh food, is seeking to have a bill sponsored to address today’s reality. He has enlisted MKs Orli Levy (Yisrael Beitenu), Hilik Bar (Labor) and Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Bayit Yehudi) towards advancing a bill into law.
The bill would prohibit filing a lawsuit against an organization that donated food free of charge to the needy, basing it on the US’ Good Samaritan Law. Leket predicts if the bill is passed into law, the amount of food donated to the needy will triple as a result.
The MKs involved in advancing the bill are confident that if passed into law, tens or hundreds of thousands of people will benefit and they are confident that they can make a significant impact in reducing hunger in Israel while also preventing mega baal tashchis.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
If I, as a goy, can help a needy frum family in Lakewood NJ and I am not rich by any standards, b’vah’cha’shah, b’vah’chah’shah, you, the Jewish Nation can help your fellow breathen as I am doing — give whatever you can — b’vah’chah’shah !!
A goy, Gerry Mullen, Riverside, NJ 08075
PS: When you do contribute, I suggest that you do more Talmud Torah, more davvening and more deeds of kindness (Chesed) and be very, very careful opf all goy including me !! Shalom !!
Excellent idea.
It’s a well meaning but miserable idea. Once exposed food has been placed on a table it is subject to contagious diseases and should not be reserved to the public. Not only that but all baked goods, for example cake and rolls, should be behind a closed counter and handled only by the employee serving it. It should not exposed to the public as is common today in many restaurants and stores.