Purim has passed, and Russian Israeli billionaire Arkady Gaydamak has parted with an exorbitant sum of money – distributed to anyone who asked on Purim. Gaydamak started distributing Tzedakah on Shushan Purim morning at 10:00AM in his Yerushalayim residence, and stopped in the late afternoon.
In the early morning, the distribution was only for Mosdos Hatorah and other important organizations, but by late afternoon anyone who arrived and stretched out their hand received NIS 200 from the billionaire. Word spread quickly in the streets of Yerushalayim, and by late in the afternoon thousands of needy people reportedly received Tzedakah from him.
(YWN – Staff Writers)
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21 Responses
WOW! How is it that this guy will not become observant? He sure has a soft spot in his heart for mitzvot.
very nice of him. they say lev levayov did the same in the uk although it was much harder to get to him
#1 He seems to be observant. He is seen observing the mitzva of matanot laevyonim. Who are we to judge?
To all those who are thinking about writing the “Why is this important news…or who cares etc..’ type of comments, please do everyone a favor and don’t.
It is very beautiful and thoughtful of him. Period.
I love reading good news!
Beautiful story. Just not quite familiar with the word ‘exorbanent’. Always nice to learn new words though…. Ah freilichen Purim.
Wasn’t Shushan Purim on Shabbos this year?
its very nice of him, but whats your point shoud we list everyone who gave out money on purim??? I know people that give $500 to every one also, and their name wasn’t on Y.W. ??!!
Please keep in mind that this guy is also running for Mayor of Yerushalayim.
Although I bless him for the tzedaka, to him it was also a campaign investment….
#2 Good point. Such acts of kindness truly bring us closer to moshiach. Thank you for the correction.
He’s cool.
8,9- Why kvetch? You want your name here? So give out 200 shekel, or 1000 rubles! to all who you meet. Also it adds up quickly when you are giving tons of ppl. Tizku l’mitzvos, y’all!
I’m not sure giving away money to anyone who asks is such a smart idea. There are a lot of people who do not need it who are taking money when it could be targeted to valid causes.
Re: the_true_word – “I know people that give $500 to every one also, and their name wasn’t on Y.W. ?”
The difference is that the people you know are frum and have been brought up that if they have money they give but this guy isn’t frum and nevertheless still gives to all Chareidim money, this is truly good news that deserves being posted on Y.W…
to post #7, in Yerushalyim Shushan Purim was on Sunday
Matanos levyonim was on Friday. It goes together with krias hamegilla since the poor people look forward to the megilla to be able find people who will support them.
Actually, if I’m not mistaken, Shushan Purim was on Shabbos, but when Shushan Purim falls on Shabbos it is celebrated over three days (Purim Meshulash) with different Mitzvos done on each day. Friday- Megila & Matanos LaEvyonim, Shabbos- Al Hanissim & Kriyas Hatorah, and Sunday- Mishloach Manos & Seuda. Which still leaves a question, Although Matanos LaEvyonim are always a good idea, shouldn’t it have been done on Friday? This is not meant as an attack on the chessed this person is doing, just a question about calling it the Mitzva of Matanos LaEvyonim for Purim.
stop arguing it was a big mitzvha that he gave the money and he didn’t give it on shabbos next yr mayb you’ll get your name on yw
#12, do you know what “Kol haposhet yad nosnim lo” means? it means to give to everyone, and not look if its a worthy cause or not.
Thank you for sharing this story. May Ha-shem grant him the ability to continue on this derech of giving and caring.
ארקאדי, תבא כל יום לחלק- ולא רק בפורים
ב”ה יש לך מספיק לחלק – כל יום
בתודה רבה מראש
ידידכם בא”י
http://www.col.org.il/show_news.rtx?artID=36957
Can you address that please ? I see very well dressed bochurim and women.. free money sure..