In moments of upheaval, the strength of community support can transform despair into resilience. For vulnerable populations in Israel, especially amid the recent escalation of conflict following Oct. 7, 2023, Leket Israel has served as an essential lifeline by combating food insecurity. 

As part of its pillar to support Israel and global Jewry, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been a longtime funder of Leket. In Fiscal Year 2024, the Jewish Federation awarded $572,850 to support Leket’s operations. 

“Our partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is fundamental,” said Leket CEO Gidi Kroch. “Their support enables us to mobilize resources quickly, so we can extend our reach and sustain help for families facing unimaginable hardship.” 

As Israel’s national food rescue organization, Leket has long been committed to fighting hunger and preventing food waste. With a mission to recover surplus food and deliver it to those who need it most, Leket has supported countless individuals and families facing food insecurity across the country. 

In 2023, Leket supported 296 nonprofit partner organizations, serving 270,000 Israelis at risk per week. The organization served an additional 60,000 recipients during the war.

With an influx of new clients, the war has brought with it new and unexpected challenges, particularly for communities near Israel's borders – including Netivot and Sdot Negev, the Jewish Federation’s partnership regions. Mass displacement and agricultural disruption have further heightened the precarity of food security in these regions.

In response to the displacement of thousands and significant agricultural disruptions, Leket sprang into action and mobilized its extensive volunteer network to distribute essential supplies to affected communities. Among these efforts, the Jewish Federation supported critical items, such as baby formula, diapers and wipes for families forced to leave their homes. Additionally, nearly 90 farming families in Sdot Negev received financial assistance to offset the losses of being temporarily out of work.

“Our support of and collaboration with Leket means that, even as demand rises, the organization can act without hesitation, directly addressing the immediate needs of those impacted by the crisis,” said Kelly Romirowsky, chief strategy and impact officer at the Jewish Federation. “Leket’s swift response and adaptability have offered hope and stability to thousands in urgent need. And our longstanding financial support, in addition to emergency funds, enabled the organization to pivot in a time of crisis.” 

With approximately 30% of farmland near the borders impacted by labor shortages as a result of Oct. 7 and the ensuing war, demand will continue to increase. 

To help bridge this gap, Leket mobilized an impressive network of over 70,000 volunteers, who stepped in to assist farmers with harvesting and maintaining crops. This massive volunteer effort ensured that fields were tended to, helping preserve vital food production in a time of crisis.

By bridging the labor gap in farming regions, these volunteers helped prevent potential crop loss and maintained stability in Israel’s food supply. Support from the Jewish Federation helped sustain this volunteer initiative, providing necessary resources to coordinate such a large-scale response effectively.

The help has not gone unnoticed. Shlomo, a farmer from Sdot Negev, expressed deep gratitude for the emergency financial support he received, which was made possible through Leket’s partnership with the Jewish Federation.

“These vouchers saved us in ways I can’t fully express,” shared Shlomo, last name withheld for anonymity. “For my father, who has spent his life working this land, it was a powerful reminder that we are not alone.”

In Netivot, a young couple who fled their home with their newborn relied on baby formula provided by Leket when supplies became scarce. For this family, the Jewish Federation’s support through Leket was crucial for providing stability and care amid uncertainty.

As Leket continues to respond to Israel’s evolving needs, its partnership with the Jewish Federation remains a cornerstone of its efforts to address food insecurity, support displaced families, and ensure that Israel’s agricultural sector remains resilient.

In the midst of the ongoing war, Kroch of Leket shared a hopeful vision for the future. 

“Our journey through these hardships underscores the power of unity and the strength of community,” he said. “With the support of partners, like the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and our dedicated volunteers, Leket Israel will continue to serve every person in need, building a future rooted in nourishment and hope.”

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