Activities

Walker Donations Throughout the Land

2012-01-05T18:35:00.000+02:00

January 5^th—The elderly and handicapped seniors of Haifa, Hadera, Ma’ale Adumim and Or Akiva received a donation of new walkers.

These new devices are equipped with a resting seat and handgrip breaks for the individual’s comfort and stability during usage.

In cooperation with Haifa’s Deputy Mayor Yulia Shtrein, the Helping Hand Coalition was able to bless Holocaust survivors and elderly in need all over the country.

The elderly seniors expressed their joy, thanking HHC and MNV Transports in Holland who sent the walkers via container. Others exploded in tears after receiving such attention and care, and were speechless. More walkers will be donated throughout the month of January.

Clothing Gifts for Women at Door of Hope in Tel Aviv

2011-12-26T17:59:00.000+02:00

Door of Hope is a foundation that reaches out to prostitutes and destitute women living on the streets of Tel Aviv by providing them with shelter and meals.

On the Monday following Christmas Day, the organization received a special visit from the Helping Hand Coalition, bringing a delivery of bed sheets, towels, shoes and clothing for their female residents who do not have homes and live below the poverty line.

As the boxes were brought in, the women drew their attention quickly to the donations and immediately tried to get glimpses of the gifts.

Fabio, a volunteer for the Door of Hope told an HHC representative, “It is so encouraging to get practical help and support from outside organizations such as HHC. It feels like a strong boost and reminder that we are not alone in reaching out and meet the needs of absolutely desperate and hopeless individuals.”

These good were donated by MNV Transports in Holland.

Winter Distributions in Ma’ale Adumim

2011-12-25T17:31:00.000+02:00

Helping Hand Coalition continues the delivery of winter clothing to local partners in Israel. This time, the large delivery took place in cooperation with local partners and Ma’ale Adumim city officials such as Deputy Mayor Boris in the Jerusalem region.

The winter clothing will be distributed to communities and families of new immigrants in financial need from Ethiopia and Holocaust survivors from Russia and Ukraine.

Boris Grosman was thrilled to see the pants, sweaters and jackets that the municipality will be able to bless local residents with. For some of the Russian immigrants who still celebrate Christmas even in Israel, the goods will come as a precious gift and reminder that they are not alone or forgotten during the Hanukkah and Christmas season of blessings and miracles.

The goods are provided by MNV Transports in Holland.

Winter Clothing Donation to Agape Foundation in Tel Aviv

2011-12-22T17:22:00.000+02:00

The Agape Foundation received a special donation of winter clothing earlier this week. The foundation is a local Tel Aviv center that helps underprivileged individuals from the central Israel area.

Volunteers from the organization expressed how many people will appreciate the goods as temperature have dropped significantly in the past month.

The clothing was shipped via container by MNV Transports in Holland and contains jackets, sweaters, pants and many more items. They will be distributed all throughout next week.

Hanukkah Celebrations in Ma’ale Adumim and Ashdod

2011-12-20T17:13:00.000+02:00

The Helping Hand Coalition took part in two grand Hanukkah celebrations in the cities of Ashdod and Ma’ale Adumim, which is in the Jerusalem region.

Israeli Congress member Lia Shemtov joined the celebration in Ma’ale Adumim with the city’s deputy Mayor, and local officials at local a private hospital Amal Yerushalayim. The group discussed ways to assist people in need in the Ma’ale Adumim area, and distributed a container of pricy adult convenience briefs as gifts to individuals at the hospital.

Amutat Zicaron hosted the Ashdod celebration with local Holocaust survivors, which Lia Shemtov and team later attended. The celebration included a special ceremony for the lighting of the first candle of Hanukkah, a musical performance, and dinner.

Hanukkah Walker Donation in Akko

2011-12-19T16:25:00.000+02:00

Holocaust survivor Ida Shusterman from the city of Akko received a new walker with built-in hand breaks. Half a year prior to the donation, her husband Michael was in great need of the same device, which he received from the Helping Hand Coalition. This walker improved his daily activities, Michel says, and allowed him to go for walks nearby the house. He and his wife began sharing the walker and eventually he turned to HHC again to inquire if there was any way of getting a device for his wife.

This year, Ida received her walker on the eve of Hanukkah, a feast that commemorates the miracle of God toward His people Israel. The elderly couple was deeply touched by the care given to them.

The walker was donated by MNV Transports in Holland.

Furniture and Winter Clothing Delivery in Ashdod

2011-12-18T16:14:00.000+02:00

A local Ashdod foundation received a special delivery of furniture from the Helping Hand Coalition and winter clothing from MNV Transports in Holland. Beit Hallel Foundation in Ashdod brings aid to new immigrants, people in need and Holocaust survivors in the Southern region.

The chairs and tables donated will be useful for the organization for their weekly children’s program. The clothing delivery included winter jackets and warm sweaters that will bless a lot of underprivileged families and individuals during the winter of 2011-2012.

Winter Clothing Delivery for African Refugees in Tel Aviv

2011-12-14T16:03:00.000+02:00

A special delivery of winter clothing for African refugees took place in the southern Tel-Aviv area. The sweaters sent by MNV Transports in Holland will bless hundreds of individuals and families in great need during this cold season.

Jeremiah, leader of Lift Up Your Head Ministry helps to provide hundreds of people with food and shelter, and was extremely grateful for the donation, especially when he saw the winter jackets and sweaters in the boxes.

“When you are on the street or under basic shelters with no heating system, there is nothing better than a warm jacket or sweater that you can put on. On top of warming up the man, it also warms up the heart to think that there are people who care for how African refugees will spend the winter 2011-2012 here in Israel. Thank you from all of our hearts.” Jeremiah said.

Truck Load Delivery of Adult Convenience Briefs to Jerusalem

2011-12-08T14:13:00.000+02:00

Large amounts of pallets of convenience briefs for the elderly were loaded onto a large 9-meter truck in the Netanya area earlier this week. The goods will be delivered in Ma’ale Adumim near Jerusalem and distributed for Holocaust survivors and elderly in need at the Amal Yerushalayim private hospital as well as senior citizen centers in the Jerusalem area.

The project was coordinated by the Helping Hand Coalition in cooperation with local municipality deputy, Mayor Boris Grossman and Congress member, Lia Shemtov. The convenience briefs will bless hundreds of elderly from the Jerusalem area.

The goods were sent to Israel via container by Global Aid Network (GAiN) Germany.

Grand Asia Pacific High Tea Honors Holocaust Survivors

2011-11-30T18:51:00.000+02:00

Jerusalem. Hundreds gathered at the Grand Court Hotel to celebrate the coming together of Israel and Asia in honor of Holocaust Survivors. Over 400 Holocaust survivors joined with 200 Asians from Singapore, Philippines, Papau New Guinea, Malaysia, Tahiti, Indonesia, and Vanuatu, as well as members from Israeli government in the grand event. One woman, Ivy, brought her four grandchildren and was very delighted that they could take part in this event and experience Israel in this exciting way.

“We are very grateful for the Israelis. They trained our army and now we support them. Without them, our country, Singapore, would not have won our independence,” said Pastor George Annadorai, the Singaporean coordinator of the event. “In fact, few Asians know much about what happened in the Holocaust, and we are very sorry for it,” he continued, “See, when the Holocaust was happening, we were busy fighting our own war in the Pacific.”

The Asia Pacific High Tea event marked a monumental memorial for the Holocaust survivors. A special Asian dance team performed wonderfully to close the event and many special guests were honored with medals of honor.

Among future endeavors from the Asia Pacific coalition, is to raise six million dollars to help six thousand Jews return to the Land. Each dollar represents a member of the Holocaust who was lost.

Donations for Individuals in Jerusalem

2011-11-29T19:49:00.001+02:00

Three individuals from the Jerusalem area received a monthly donation.

The two single mothers received their donations in the form of grocery vouchers valid at local supermarkets. The gifts came at a crucial time of need and financial instability for these women.

Akram*, a man from the West Bank, received 2 food parcels and several basic hygiene items purchased by the Helping Hand Coalition. Akram also received brand new clothes and a jacket for the winter, which he especially liked. As HHC representative bid farewell, Akram was filled with joy.

*This name has been changed for the protection of privacy

International Event Holocaust Survivors in Or Akiva

2011-11-24T19:51:00.003+02:00

A very special event was hosted by the Helping Hand Coalition at a prestigious Or Akiva banquet hall. Over two hundred Holocaust survivors attended the event along with international delegates from Germany, Russia, the United States and several other nations.

Two young German bands performed songs in Hebrew, and were followed by Shaul and Yulia Benhar playing folk and classical music. This happened as a grand meal was served to the guests. After few speeches, a group of German youth performed three dances. The dances held such vigor that elderly crowded onto the dance floor and celebrated for over an hour with the German delegation.

Some of the Germans performing the dances are grandchildren of Nazi SS officers. Seeing them dance with Holocaust survivors had deep impact and significance on the attendees. New bridges of reconciliation were built between two generations of Germans and Jewish individuals.

Later in the evening, the two groups came to Tel Aviv for to spend an evening with Tel Aviv youth.

Esther to the Nations Tea Party for Prominent Ladies

2011-11-23T14:47:00.001+02:00

Countess Esther de Pommery of Lambrey, Switzerland hosted a formal tea reception in Tel Aviv for Israeli women and international delegates. Esther’s vision is to bring aid to Israel from women around the world.

The evening began with a short address by the Countess, who expressed her heart and inspiration to help the needy women and children in Israel.

After the address, the women mingled among chocolates and biscuits and shared ideas for ways to blessings to the women and children in the Land.

In attendance were Helping Hand Coalition representatives and Knesset member Lia Shemtov.

Holocaust Survivor Book Premiere

2011-11-23T13:14:00.000+02:00

A premiere-event was held in Tel Aviv to celebrate the completion of a book documenting the lives of 33 Holocaust survivors during WWII. Sixteen of the survivors live in Israel and the remaining 17 survivors live in Ukraine. The book was written by Coor Roos from Stichting Desert Rose in Holland. He visits Israel regularly, and provides funds and goods for Holocaust survivors in need in Israel on a regular basis.

About 150 Holocaust survivors attended the book premiere. About 10 Holocaust survivors were present at the event to publicly receive a book and to be honored as special guests. The remaining honored survivors were physically incapable of attending, and one of the survivors had passed away since making the interview for the book.

The event schedule included a diverse array of activities including speeches by the initiative leaders, speeches by key leaders of Holocaust survivors in Israel, a performance by a Holocaust survivor choir (20 Holocaust survivors who are all over the age of 85), a special saxophone performance by a youth who received the saxophone by donation last year from Stichting Desert Rose, a special musical and dance performance by a German group who are the direct descendants of Nazi officers, and the book distribution. At the end of the event, there was catered food for all of the guests, provided by HHC.

The event was a huge success, and there are already talks of a next book, as a follow up to this project.

Knesset Conference Honors International Evangelical Coalition’s Support for Holocaust Survivors

2011-11-22T20:22:00.003+02:00

I do not know if you heard the news; but, in case you did not, there was a big, important conference held at the Israeli Knesset on the 22nd of November 2011. It honored and recognized the strengthening friendship between the International Evangelical Coalition and the State of Israel, in partnership to support Holocaust Survivors and other population groups in need, in Israel. Honorable Knesset members, Ministers and deputy Ministers, distinguished guests and the International Evangelical Coalition representatives from more than 50 countries attended this conference in their honor at the Knesset, the seat of the Government of Israel. This conference came together through the combined efforts and cooperation between the Helping Hand Coalition and the Knesset, spearheaded by the Honorable Knesset member, Lia Shemtov. Following are some of the details of this momentous occasion from this observer’s point of view.

We ascended to the Knesset compound in Jerusalem, on a warm, sunny day for this time of year and were guided through the corridors to the Knesset Art Gallery for a reception where light refreshments were served. There was a special art display of Claudia Dewald photography that featured portraits depicting Holocaust survivors there in the lobby. We mingled and conversed with the various conference attendees from around the world. It was a powerful portrait, this coalition of the many, who came together from so many places, to demonstrate their continued support of Holocaust survivors and to be honored for their contributions. After about an hour of refreshments and engaging conversation, we were escorted through the corridors and ushered into the Knesset auditorium where the conference convened. Here’s what took place that day.

The conference opened with a moving video presentation produced by Ted Pearce, 'Forgotten People' powerful music of which was followed by the welcome and opening remarks by the conference MC Mikhail Dzhaginov. What followed were presentations, remarks and reflections about the tragedy of the Holocaust and their support (as representatives of the Israeli government) of Holocaust survivors in particular, by a number of distinguished and honorable Knesset members. Among them were: Minister of Tourism Stas Miesezhnikov, Minister of Absorption Sofa Landver, Lea Nass Deputy Minister of Senior Citizens by the Prime Minister Office, and Honorable Knesset member and conference co-sponsor Lea Shemtov. Between each speaker, the conference attendees were treated to a diverse and talented lineup of singing and dance groups. They sang thematic songs like the moving, “Tell me why” a song of 'The Chosen Ones' that asked the question about why the tragedy and atrocities of the Holocaust were allowed to happen. The dance group of TOS Ministries performed a very moving creation entitled, “Shma Yisrael (Hear O Israel)”.

The International Evangelical Coalition conference participants were introduced to the forum by Dr. Andre Gasiorowski, President of the Helping Hand Coalition and the conference producer. A list of some of the speakers and a synopsis of their remarks are as follows:
Jurgen Buchler, President of the International Christian Embassy (ICEJ) – spoke on the ICEJ’s ongoing initiatives for Holocaust survivors in Israel Harald Eckert, President of the Christians for Israel Germany – spoke on the upcoming Wannsee Conference commemoration (January 27, 2012);
Jobst Bittner, President of the TOS Ministry – spoke on “Breaking the Silence”;
George Annadorai, President of the Asia Pacific Coalition for Israel raised 3 thoughts:
1. We want to tell your story to my people. To accomplish this mission we are cooperating with Yad Vashem to establish a chapter in Singapore.
2. We want to teach our children, through our church programs--that the State of Israel is our friend. We want to teach them that they are not tourist when they visit Israel---but friends.
3. Friendship---that we will always have a friendly port of call in Singapore. The the plight of the St. Louis in 1939 of not having a safe haven from persecution will never be repeated.
Jeff Sheldon, President of ICARE – spoke on the strengthening of the friendship and relationship between the Christian coalition and Israel. He described a recent event at the Rose bowl that celebrated around the theme of, "Israel’s Praise for America-- America embraces Israel”;
Leszek Lazowski, President of the International Humanitarian Network delivered summarizing remarks.
Awards granted by the Knesset to participating organizations were presented by Honorable Knesset Member Lea Shemtov and Helping Hand Coalition President Dr. Andre Gasiorowski.

After the awards ceremony we had a short intermission; after which we were escorted upstairs to the Knesset chamber for a joint session between Knesset members and conference participates. The Honorable Knesset Speaker, Ruben Rivlin, welcomed and acknowledged the International Evangelical Coalition conference participates on behalf of the Knesset and the government of Israel. Several Knesset members spoke from the podium and afterwards, a motion was passed by the Knesset that acknowledged and verified the bound of friendship and cooperation between the state of Israel and the International Evangelical Coalition in regard to the cooperation and support for Holocaust Survivors in general and in Israel in particular.

It was a great conference and a great work. When it was all said and done, night had descended on Jerusalem. Truly it was a conference worth attending and a conference that should forever be remembered.

I am honored to have been there.

Avner BEN

Rosebowl Event to Unite Israel and the USA in Pasadena, California

2011-11-11T12:59:00.001+02:00

A massive event with 34,000 people was held at the Rosebowl stadium in Pasadena, California on 11-11-11. The event was hosted by American Christians for guests from Asia, Europe and the Middle East to stand in unity and in support of Israel.

At the event, an Israeli-government official spoke words of encouragement and blessings to the Christians on behalf of the Israeli government. Members of the Helping Hand Coalition and other Israeli leaders were invited to the stage to represent the work that is being done with Holocaust survivors and people in need in Israel.

The event was a huge success and tremendously benefitted relationship between Americas and Israelis. Many Christians showed huge interest and concern in the Holocaust survivors in Israel and future projects are already in store as a result of this event.

Hygienic Products and Clothing Donations in Tel Aviv and Ashdod

2011-11-03T14:09:00.002+02:00

A special donation was delivered to the Agape Foundation this week. The foundation reaches out to the needy population on the streets of Tel-Aviv. Included in the donation were 30 boxes of sanitary napkins for women. The donation will reduce the monthly expenses of many destitute new immigrants and single mothers who come to the distribution center.

In addition to the hygienic packages, several hundred kilos of used clothes were given to Beit Hallel Foundation in Ashdod by the Helping Hand Coalition. New immigrants, Holocaust survivors, and many other people in need in the southern region of Ashdod will benefit from this donation.

The goods were sent via container by Global Aid Network (GAiN) Germany.

Holocaust Survivor Organizations Join Hands in Supporting Warmhouses

2011-11-02T14:27:00.000+02:00

Another important meeting took place today for the heads of Holocaust survivor organizations in a local Tel-Aviv facility. About forty people gathered from different cities to discuss various matters and challenges faced by their communities. They signed agreements for joining in the latest HHCoalition joint project of warmhouses, which provides a warm and friendly environment for lonely elderly and Holocaust survivors to fellowship in various cities in Israel.

The event was followed by a lunch provided by the HHC.

Dishwasher Donation for Netanya Community Center

2011-10-30T18:19:00.004+02:00

October 18th, 2011- A dishwasher has been donated by the Helping Hand Coalition and delivered to a community center in Netanya called “Mo’adon le gila’im” for elderly individuals and new immigrants from Ethiopia and Eastern Europe.

The center hosts frequent activities and serves the community by providing meals during the Jewish holidays, Hebrew language lessons, choir lessons and much more to local individuals in need.

The facility’s previous washing machine had recently broken down, and the organization was unable to afford a new one. The local coordinator has also voiced a need for a few computers for the residents and are looking for assistance.

Holiday Distribution of Grocery Vouchers for Holocaust Survivors by GAiN Germany

2011-10-30T12:56:00.001+02:00

October 16th, 2011- In light of the holiday season, a vast distribution of grocery vouchers took place in preparations for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The donation could not have come at a better time, as the Jewish Holidays are a season of giving and sharing. For elderly citizens struggling financially, purchasing food for the holiday feasts can be particularly challenging.

Many of the Survivors are extremely ill, are unable to leave their homes, and struggle with loneliness or financial distress. They were filled with joy by the warm interactions and thanked their supporters at GAiN Germany with radiant smiles.

The delivery came to one-hundred-and-forty-four Holocaust victims in Southern Israel who were visited by representatives from the Helping Hand Coalition. The central cities of Sderot, Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, Ofakim, Be’er Sheva, Tel-Aviv, Petakh Tikva were also included in the distribution.

Holocaust Survivor Leaders Meeting in Tel Aviv

2011-10-27T12:48:00.001+02:00

Leaders of different Holocaust survivor and WWII veteran organizations met at a center in Tel Aviv, hosted by the HHCoalition. The leaders discussed the activities for the Holocaust survivors and how to enhance and create more as support for them.

A catered dinner was provided at the end of the meeting by the HHCoalition.

Holocaust Survivor Group Meeting in Tel Aviv

2011-10-20T12:47:00.000+02:00

Seventy Holocaust survivors met at a community center co-operated by the HHCoalition in Tel Aviv. The Holocaust survivors discussed different issues regarding activities and celebrations of Holocaust survivors including birthdays, anniversaries, and other events that are happening their lives.

After the meeting, dinner was catered all of the guests, provided by the HHCoalition.

The meetings at this Tel Aviv center bring great joy to the Holocaust survivors as they are provided with a very nice place to gather, talk about things that are important to them and enjoy great food.

African Church Dedication in Tel Aviv

2011-10-12T12:28:00.001+02:00

September 17th, 2011- A special event was held at a local African church in Tel Aviv in dedication of a church opening in Nigeria. Since many of the African refugees in Tel Aviv and around Israel come from Nigeria, huge developments in their home country are very significant to these refugees.

Some of the attendants at the event included the Ambassador of Congo, Embassy officials from Kenya and Nigeria as well as diplomats from other African countries.

Representatives from the HHCoalition also attended and were treated as honorable guests. The HHCoalition provides regular financial support and goods to the African community in Tel Aviv.

51st Anniversary of Nigerian Independence

2011-10-10T12:38:00.003+02:00

A celebration in honor of the 51st Anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence was held at Dan Panorama hotel, in Tel Aviv. Attendees at the event included Nigerian Ambassador David Oladipo Obasa, Knesset Member Yossi Peled, other Nigerian diplomats, ministers and leaders, Nigerian celebrities such as Frank Emy Ejike, who played in the Israeli basketball league, and representatives of the Helping Hand Coalition.

The Helping Hand Coalition was invited to attend the event as it provides regular financial support and goods to the African community in Tel Aviv, helping many Nigerians and refugees in need. The representatives, who are also part of DailyISRAEL, interviewed many of the African and Israeli diplomats on video, in order to broadcast the unity that is being strengthened between Israel and Nigeria.

Or Akiva Youth Camp Visits Tel Aviv

2011-10-07T12:17:00.002+02:00

Last summer, about 50 children from a summer kid’s camp in Or Akiva attended a field trip to Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv. The kids who attend the camp come from underprivileged families and range from 8 – 16 years old. Screaming and shouting in fun, the children played different games, participated in group-activities and enjoyed a delicious barbecue with their chaperone parents.

“The purpose of this trip is to bring these kids out of their everyday summer environment in Or Akiva, which is a poverty stricken city. The camp provides a fun-packed summer trip to an outside location,” said Luke Gasiorowski, a project coordinator who works with Or Akiva city officials.

“My children don’t have anything to do during the summer when they are out of school,” said one of mothers. “I have two kids and sending them to camps is very expensive, as a single-income family, we cannot afford it,” she continued. “Thanks to Yehuda, we found out about this special camp with scholarships and now our boys can have a fun summer, play with other kids, and stay out of trouble. This camp is a real blessing to our family.” Yehuda is one of the city officials from Or Akiva who coordinates events and projects with the HHC.

The camp is organized by local coordinators at the Or Akiva municipality. The Helping Hand Coalition participated in providing different logistical requirements for this trip.