IFCJ to donate $8.5 million to IDF to assist impoverished families and lone soldiers
The IFCJ, founded in 1983 by Rabbi Eckstein, is the world's largest organization of Christians actively working with Jews to support Israel.
By LIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZIUpdated: MARCH 15, 2016 11:35IDF Manpower Directorate (AKA) Major-General Chagai Topolonski, IFCJ president Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, AWIS chairman Major-General (res.) Yoram Yair(photo credit: BAZ RATNER)
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews announced it will donate $8.5 million to the IDF to support impoverished families and lone soldiers.The donation stems from the IFCJ’s partnership with the IDF Manpower Directorate and the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, which assist these population groups. All the IFCJ funds provided to the IDF are donated through FIDF and disbursed in Israel through AWIS.“Unfortunately, the poverty rates that have afflicted so many Israelis have affected our soldiers as well,” said Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, president and founder of the IFCJ.“I am pleased that the IDF is acknowledging their need and is partnering with the IFCJ to make sure Israel’s bravest are able to serve in peace, knowing that they and their families are being provided for.”This assistance package will include NIS 5.5 million to be disbursed through IFCJ Fellowship Funds, which will help soldiers from impoverished families purchase electrical appliances, furniture and other necessary items.In addition, 35,000 combat soldiers in basic training will receive vouchers to purchase basic necessities; 10,000 soldiers will receive food and clothing gift cards ahead of Passover and Rosh Hashana; and 2,000 soldiers will receive vouchers to Ricochet stores, where they can purchase supplementary accessories and supplies for soldiers.“[The] IDF is the people’s army and, as such, enlists soldiers from all backgrounds,” said Maj.-Gen. Hagai Topolansky, head of the IDF Manpower Directorate.“We take young women and men from impoverished backgrounds and turn them into able soldiers. The IFCJ and IDF are here to give a boost to those soldiers who need it. We are very grateful to Rabbi Eckstein for his expanded aid package.”Maj.-Gen. Yoram Yair, chairman of AWIS, said: “I am pleased about the substantial and exceptional contribution from the IFCJ, led by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, which is intended to help lone IDF soldiers and those who come from families in need. I consider IFCJ and Rabbi Eckstein loyal partners in the efforts of AWIS and Keren Libi in caring for the welfare of the soldiers.”