JIJ's Passover Distribution Reaches Thousands

As the nation of Israel and Jewish people worldwide gather with families and loved ones to commemorate the deliverance and redemption of their people from slavery in Egypt, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ) marks this occasion by holding their annual Passover distribution to disadvantaged sectors of Israeli society.

Evocative of the traditional Passover seder prayer, Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, who has preserved us, sustained us and brought us to this season, JIJ endeavors to represent G-d’s hand of mercy by providing sustenance to the underprivileged and imparting His love to the hopeless during this Passover season.

While JIJ’s main distribution took place in Jerusalem, smaller distributions were held throughout the nation. Just days prior to the eve of Passover, JIJ staff along with hundreds of volunteers from across Jerusalem gathered to prepare and take part in the distribution. Bags and carts filled with fruits, vegetables, eggs, and drinks were distributed to approximately 1000 needy families in the Jerusalem area while over 1000 food vouchers were given to Holocaust survivors, lone soldiers, single Ethiopian mothers, handicapped individuals, and other underprivileged sectors throughout the country.

Allali Admasu, advisor of Ethiopian affairs to the Prime Minister, was among those in attendance while several Knesset members including, speaker of the house, Reuven Rivlin, were given crates and packages of food to distribute to other impoverished communities around the Land. 

In addition, JIJ organized and hosted a three-course Passover seder meal for approximately 25 lone soldiers at a restaurant in Jerusalem. The atmosphere was both festive and somber; soldiers disowned by parents due to a personal choice to renounce the religious lifestyle found it emotionally challenging to celebrate such a significant religious holiday estranged from families.  However, JIJ overwhelmed them with love and support, hoping to provide them with a sense of comfort and community.

The Jerusalem Institute of Justice would like to sincerely thank you for partnering with us to secure justice for the poor and uphold the cause of the needy (Psalm 140:12). We thank you for contributing to this cause and helping us to touch vulnerable sectors of Israeli society during this season of celebration.
 

Hundreds of volunteers gathered to take part in the distribution

JIJ staff & volunteers prepared bags & carts filled with fruits and vegetables

Residents from the local community gather to collect eggs and other items

Calev Myers speaks with representatives of the Ethiopian community, including Allali Admasu, Advisor of Ethiopian Affairs to the Prime Minister