The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews announced this week a new kind of Purim celebration during COVID, one aimed at making the elderly feel a festive spirit despite the loneliness of this period.
"The Fellowship is implementing a special Purim activity in which hundreds of volunteers will come to the homes of about 1,500 lonely elderly people and give them festive food gifts," it said in a press release.
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"The operation will take place in 22 cities across the country [Israel] and under strict adherence to coronavirus safety rules and Ministry of Health guidelines," it continued.
According to the organization the effort has been a success thus far, with one elderly Israeli recalling the positive experience. "One of the elderly citizens who has already enjoyed the activity is Leonid Bobik, a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor who lives alone in Ofakim.
Leonid heard the Happiness Vehicle and went out to applaud. 'I did not remember at all that it was the Purim holiday. When I heard music and saw the vehicle, it made me very happy. It's great that they don't forget us,'" the organization wrote in a press release.
The IFCJ, also known as The Fellowship, says it is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel.
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