As the number of coronavirus patients in Israel continues to grow and stricter limitations are placed on public life in an effort to curb the outbreak, Israel's ministries of Health and Welfare Services are trying to minimize the impact this situation has on the weaker socio-economic echelons in society, already burdened by daily hardships.
To that end, both ministries have officially designated Yad Ezra V'Shulamit, an NGO that distributes food to needy Israelis, as an essential service thus excluding it from the near-full lockdown imposed on the private and public sectors of the economy.
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This means even as the country prepares for a full shutdown, Yad Ezra V'Shulamit will continue delivering urgent food, clothing, and emergency relief to tens of thousands of Israeli children and their families.
The NGO noted that the coronavirus outbreak is having a devastating effect on the most vulnerable members of society.
As businesses in Israel have been closed by the government until after Passover, over 600,000 Israelis have been either placed on unpaid leave or fired, with the hourly workers' sector being hit the hardest.
Last year, Yad Ezra V'Shulamit distributed Passover food packages to 30,000 families. This year the organization has already received requests from more than 40,000 families and that number is growing every hour, it said.
"We distribute thousands of food baskets weekly, we know the people who need help, we have the trucks and infrastructure to get basics to people who can't get food throughout Israel," said Aryeh Lurie, founder of the organization.
"Our job is to make sure the poor have what they need to survive this crisis. We happily accept the job and appreciate the recognition from the government for our efforts in taking care of Israel's needy children and families."
He called on "everyone around the world to stand by Israel in this time of need and donate a food basket to help Israel make it through this challenging time. If everyone gives one basket, we will have enough to take care of Israel's needy," said Lurie.
To donate a food basket go to: www.yadezra.net
