The tzedaka organizations that distribute food for the yomim tovim in Eretz Yisrael are doing their best, but admit they simply cannot meet the increase in requests, up 25% from last year.

As is the case for tomchei shabbos organizations in frum areas around the world, the fiscal crisis has hit the Jewish community too and many who merited to give in the past today find themselves seeking basic supplies as the Tishrei yomim tovim approach.

One of Israel’s largest organizations, Pitchon Lev is working around-the-clock, the organization’s director Nissim Tzioni confirms. He explains that they have already begun giving out food parcels, and he hopes to add apples, honey and wine to the Rosh Hashanah aid packages.

Tzioni explains that people are simply wonderful, and despite the hardships and the difficulties in paying bills, even for those who are employed; most people are generous and try doing their utmost to assist those who are less fortunate this year.

Welfare Minister Moshe Kahlon is working on a program in which people eligible for assistance will receive prepaid credit cards to permit them to shop, hoping to spare them the embarrassment of waiting on food handout lines. Joining in with the minister in his criticism of the system is Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)