In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis followed, the Jewish community of Oporto in Portugal donated €15,000 ($17,000) to the largest food bank in Israel, Leket Israel, which handles food pickup and distribution and feeds hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the organization throughout Israel. The contribution was granted by President of the Jewish community of Oporto Dias Ben Zion, to Gidi Kroch, CEO of Leket Israel.
The donation is a result of an ongoing collaboration between the Catholic and Jewish communities in Oporto, which released the movie The Light of Judah three months ago via streaming platforms. The two communities decided that all Israeli streaming proceeds would be donated to Leket Israel and that proceeds from streaming in Portugal, which also totaled at €15,000, would be granted to the food bank in Oporto and three local Catholic charity organizations.
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The movie's production was made possible by the ongoing religious, cultural and social collaboration between the Catholic and Jewish communities, which began in December 2019, with the goal of fighting anti-Semitism. The initiative has received financial backing from philanthropic Jewish families as well as B'nai B'rith International.
"Our community is committed to the State of Israel, and we are excited that we have been able to fulfill our promise and donate the proceeding from the movie, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the demand for meals. Leket Israel is leading an important mission and we are proud to be able to help," Ben Zion said.
Kroch added, "Leket Israel is truly grateful to receive support from the Jewish community of Oporto and the Diocese of Oporto. It is heartwarming to see Oporto's Jewish and Catholic communities working together to feed Israel's poor in these troubled times. We look forward to strengthening the bond between our communities and are honored that Mr. Ben Zion, President of Comunidade Israelita Do Porto, will be visiting with us to make the donation and see our activities firsthand."
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