The Jerusalem-based Ezrat Avot organization is reaching
out to the international public on behalf of the
elderly poor and impoverished families which it
services. This year Ezrat Avot is embarking on a major
Pesach food distribution project consisting of over
1,000 parcels. Much planning is needed as well as
financial assistance from caring and generous donors.
Each Pesach food package consists of a week's supply of
matzoh, wine, chicken, eggs, sugar, vegetables and
other food staples costing approximately 300 NIS ($65).
We invite you to join us in this effort.
Rabbi Shlomo Gamliel zt"l founded Ezrat Avot when
he was 106. Assisted by his granddaughter and current
director, Naomi Sharabi, Rabbi Gamliel opened a soup
kitchen in Nachalat Zvi, one of Jerusalem's oldest and
poorest districts. In 1976 the soup kitchen became a
center when the noted American author, Norman Cousins,
donated the funds to purchase a building. Rabbi Gamliel
continued to be involved in running Ezrat Avot until
his passing at the age of 113.
Last year Ezrat Avot totally reconstructed its run down
center transforming it into a modern, wheelchair
accessible Senior Day Care Center, a home away from
home. Generous donors throughout the world have made it
possible to complete the exterior restoration, and
funds have been earmarked for an elevator and
synagogue. Yet money to refurbish the interior is
sorely lacking. Naomi Sharabi reflects sadly: "For more
than 20 years the center has been the one bright spot
in their lives. Our elderly must have a warm and
comfortable haven where they can receive a hot meal
daily."
The Ezrat Avot Senior Center is a community-based
facility funded entirely by private donations. It
provides free daily meals, clothing, laundry services,
and a range of cultural, social and religious programs.
Its dedicated assistants deliver hot meals to the
homebound, and clean homes. Ezrat Avot organizes a free
summer day camp program for needy neighborhood
children.
Other Ezrat Avot programs are the Living Connection and
the Caring Care Givers. The Living Connection is
already in operation. It is an intergenerational
program designed to increase awareness of senior
citizens among school-aged children in Israel. This
project has been recently approved for a partial grant
from the U.J.A of New York. The Caring Care Givers is a
food and visitation program designed to remunerate
independent seniors for services rendered to their
homebound peers.
The Ezrat Avot Senior Day Care Center is home to many
old and lonely people who deserve society's grace and
compassion in their waning years. Ezrat Avot calls upon
the world community to fulfill Rabbi Gamliel's legacy.
Help us to help our elders and be mindful of the moving
words in the Psalms: "Al tashlicheini le'eis
zikna."
Please make contributions for Building Campaign or
Pesach Food Parcels payable to Ezrat Avot, at one of
the following address:
Ezrat Avot P.O.B 5603 Jerusalem 91056 Israel
For Credit Card Donations or inquiries please call
Ezrat Avot at 972 2 582 5107 or 5829984 Fax # 972 2 532
2226 email ezratavot@hotmail.com
All contributions are tax deductible: Israeli Tax
Exemption #550044416; U.S. Tax #11-3113560
