By Mordechai Kastelbaum
Life in Israel is like a roller-coaster ride.
Last summer we experienced Operation Protective Edge and all of the international attention that it brought to Israel. It was followed by a flurry of diplomatic activity regarding the so-called “two-state solution,” the ongoing Iranian nuclear threat, and the high-profile elections in March.
We go from one crisis to another, with barely a moment’s rest. We’re the center of attention for news outlets around the world and a magnet for undue attention and, more often, self-righteous condemnations.
In the midst of all the hullabaloo, it’s easy to forget that Israel needs to continue to function as a country. Kids need to go to school, adults need to work, the economy needs to grow . . . life needs to go on. That is one of the things that make Israel unique. Despite all that is going on around us and within us, with G‑d’s help we continue to prosper and flourish even under the most trying conditions.
It is rare to find a person in the Diaspora who fully appreciates this remarkable resilience of Israeli citizens. Israelis do not allow the constant threat of terror to disrupt daily life, nor do they question their steadfast commitment to the land in the face of harsh criticism. On the contrary, they redouble the efforts on behalf of Eretz Yisrael and reaffirm their belief in “one Israel for one Jewish people.”
Yet there is an organization that uniquely understands, more than most, the true needs of Israel’s most idealistic Jews, and it tailors programs to bolster their lives. One Israel Fund has been at the forefront of the growing effort to support those among Israel’s most vulnerable residents in Judea and Samaria, both in good times and those more trying.
Many funds popped up during Operation Protective Edge to provide supplies and support to communities in the south of Israel, but One Israel Fund was there before the violence erupted, and One Israel remains there after the fighting has calmed. Now, efforts have expanded from emergency supplies to infrastructure needs, both in the south as well as our vulnerable heartland. One Israel Fund is building the resources to make the communities of YESHA (the Hebrew acronym for Judea and Samaria) a more attractive place to live and raise a family while simultaneously working to protect those living in the south.
To that end, One Israel Fund has recently completed several community-based projects to bolster local neighborhoods, like a new children’s library, playgrounds, and a fitness center, as well as other improvements to develop community life. Additionally, there are numerous new projects, still waiting for funding, that will contribute greatly to the quality of life in countless towns and cities.
At the same time, One Israel Fund continues its mission to protect these vulnerable areas by expanding its distribution of security equipment. Most recently, the organization launched a campaign to arm every security chief in the southern and northern regions with newly designed bulletproof vests.
Looking back at the past 21 years, one can easily discern the impact these efforts have had on Israel’s heartland. In 1993, barely 75,000 Jews were scattered in small villages and towns throughout the area. They were hopeful but realized they couldn’t do it alone. Thus, One Israel Fund was created to partner with these fledgling communities and to bring much-needed financial support.
Today, in 2015, YESHA boasts a growing population of nearly 400,000, with major cities and towns. It is literally and figuratively “on the map” and, with continued support, could top 1Â million residents in just a few short years.
Just think of the effect this massive growth will have on the future of negotiations with our Arab neighbors. YESHA is no longer a region of disjointed villages–it is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. It is growing exponentially in population, agriculture, and industry.
To mark its 21 years of achievements, One Israel Fund will honor a group of talented and devoted friends of Israel at its upcoming annual dinner.
Hakarat Hatov Award: Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon. Well known throughout Israel and the English-speaking world, Rav Rimon is a leading authority on halachah, a brilliant educator, a prolific author, and favored lecturer with a golden heart. The combination of his profound intellect and deep compassion for others has resulted in successful employment initiatives that transformed the lives of countless individuals who had thought their situations hopeless. He is the founder of JobKatif, an organization which has helped more than 2,400 families, expelled from Gush Katif back in 2005, find gainful employment.
Aishet Chayil Award: Suzie Schwartzstein. Suzie, a prominent board member of One Israel Fund, never shies away from helping One Israel Fund’s campaigns.This past summer, in the midst of Operation Protective Edge, Suzie leapt into action, spearheading campaigns at her beloved Beaver Lake, to raise funds for the south. This was but one in a long line of efforts on behalf of her brothers and sisters in Israel.
Community Service Award: Michael Page and the Signature Bank Team consisting of David Berman, Alex Cerrano, Charles Dantone, and Carol Szumski. Since Signature became the bank of choice for One Israel Fund, Michael and his team have consistently gone above and beyond to help ensure that the organization gets the most personalized service anyone could imagine. They are available at all hours and have worked tirelessly to provide incredible service for One Israel Fund.
Manhigut Tze’erim Awards: Josh Hoffman and Elisha Aryeh. Always one of the highlights of the annual dinner are the young professionals and future leaders in attendance. One Israel Fund prides itself on the events spearheaded for this demographic. As in past years, this year’s will be presented to two individuals who have shown enormous devotion to One Israel Fund and, more importantly, those it supports. Josh Hoffman was one of the founding Young Professional Committee members and has been involved in each young professional event since its inception a few years ago. Elisha Aryeh is one of the newest to get involved but has already demonstrated his willingness to roll up his sleeves and do whatever it takes to ensure the success of this division.
Finally, this year’s dinner will feature two other personalities who are well known throughout the country. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who has become a mainstay on CNN and MSNBC in eloquently speaking out on behalf of Israel, will be the keynote speaker. Eve Harow, one of the most sought-after tour guides and a leading radio host in Israel on Voice of Israel Radio and the director of tourism for One Israel Fund, will be serving as the master of ceremonies.
Take part in the movement that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with YESHA for over two decades, by participating in the One Israel Fund Anniversary Dinner on May 18 at Three-Sixty in Manhattan. Reservations can be placed at OneIsraelFund.org. And if you cannot attend, please consider placing an ad or just sending in a donation to help further the work of One Israel Fund.
Don’t forget that One Israel Fund has for the past three years been ranked by Charity Navigator as a 4-Star charity, its highest rating. So while supporting Israel you can rest assured that your contribution will make a lasting impact.