Posted on 02/27/2003 11:19:08 AM PST by anotherview
A group of 27 determined American Jews has concluded a nine-day visit to Israel, jam-packed with support for and participation in a number of important tzedakah [charity] projects. The group came equipped with clothing, toys, money and supplies for direct distribution to a long list of chosen causes. Their itinerary included activities with Russian olim [immigrants] at the Diplomat Hotel in Jerusalem, Ethiopian olim in Mevaseret Zion, Tova's Kitchen for Hungry People, and Beit Oved Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind. The mission, known as Hero Israel II, was led by author Danny Siegel and Rabbi Steven Bayar of Cong. B'nai Israel in New Jersey.
Siegel has spent the past 28 consecutive summers in Israel, beginning with the one he spent touring the country in a unique campaign to find the best ways to distribute the hundreds of "shliach mitzvah" dollars he had received from friends and acquaintances. [A "shliach mitzvah" is a person who is sent as an agent to perform a good deed.] Since then, Siegel has spent his summers in a like manner, as well as teaching Israeli teens about tzedakah and introducing them to many of "Israel's Mitzvah heroes."
The group's other "targets" included Rabbanit Bracha Kapach; the "Chicken Woman," Clara Hammer; Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association-Beit Yannai; Shaare Zedek Hospital, where they distributed toys with the Mitzvah Clowns; Shalva; A Package From Home, where they helped assemble packages for IDF soldiers; Association for the Support of Fiancees of Fallen IDF Soldiers; Bayit Cham (Warm House); Dental Volunteers for Israel; and the Romema Project. Click for more information.
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