Jerusalem – The difficult fiscal realities are being felt by the NGO non-profits which are now in high gear, working to prepare for Pesach. Most organization are reporting an increase of about 40% in the calls for assistance, stating that ironically, donations are down, both qualitatively and quantitatively. By most estimates, only one out of every four families seeking assistance for yomtov will actually be met with a positive response.

While the treasury announced it has allocated NIS 3 million to assist, the heads of the nation’s largest organizations insist the sum is an “insult”, pointing out the government’s participation is less than minimal, perhaps insignificant.

It is estimated that 200,000 families in Eretz Yisrael will be seeking assistance to obtain the basic needs for the yomtov, but painfully, the NGOs (non-governmental organizations) doing their utmost realize only about 50,000 will actually receive food packages and assistance.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)