Social Report 2014

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Social Report 2014 This is a translation from the Hebrew and has been prepared for convenience only. In case of any discrepancy the Hebrew will prevail. 4 Greetings from the Chairman and 67 DISCOUNT'S CUSTOMERS the President & CEO 68 General policy 6 A Corporate Responsibility Report - what is it? 69 Retail Customers - household segment 7 Challenges and opportunities in the field of social 78 Customers of the small responsibility business segment 9 Discount's fourth Corporate 80 Private Banking customers Responsibility Report 83 Service to corporate 10 The process of identification of customers the material Aspects 85 Customers of middle market 14 Aspects defined as material banking segment 15 Reporting to the Global Compact 86 Additional services 17 Control over the appropriateness 90 Social networks - The of reporting - Discount Bank Discount Group 23 BANK'S PROFILE, 91 Financial education CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, 93 Business continuity VISION AND VALUES 94 Accessibility to handicapped 24 The Discount Group - general persons overview and structure of the 96 Proper disclosure - Group information regarding 29 Issues regarding corporate products and services governance 97 Communication with customers 46 Principal control functions - improvement of service 48 The Discount code of ethics 106 Appendix: Suppliers THE DISCOUNTERS שגיאה! Corporate Governance Code for the 49 הסימניה Discount Group אינה Prevention of bribery, fraud and 50 מוגדרת. embezzlement 52 Additional Ethical Aspects 111 Human Resources Policy 55 Vision and Values 120 Employment terms and remuneration 57 Financial and economic profile 130 Labor relations of the 64 Membership of organizations and principal subsidiaries external Initiatives 131 Legislative and regulatory 179 GREEN DISCOUNT - FOR THE restrictions and their ENVIRONMENT arrangement 180 Policy 133 Characteristics of Bank employees 181 The consumption of resources 134 Retirement and dismissal 183 Emission of greenhouse gas 136 Employee turnover 186 Paperless Bank 139 Vacation and absence data 187 Use of recycled materials 140 Human resources planning and development 188 Additional activities 146 Organizational culture 189 Management of environmental risks 148 Employee welfare 190 Credit Policy regarding Environmental Risks 152 Safety in the workplace and work environment 194 EPILOGUE 155 Preventing sexual harassment 194 Thank you's! 157 DISCOUNTERS FOR THE 194 Reaction to the Report COMMUNITY 195 GRI content index combined with 158 Community Activity Policy UNGC 159 Volume of activity 160 "Discount Sprint for the Future" - Discount Bank's flagship project 164 Voluntary Activities 167 Various projects 169 "Herzelilinblum" - Banking and Tel Aviv Nostalgia Museum 172 Arts 174 Sponsorships 176 Involvement in and contribution to the community by the principal subsidiaries 177 Social responsibility ratings Greetings from the Chairman and the President & CEO We are honored to present the Corporate Responsibility Report of Discount Bank for 2014. The publication of the Corporate Responsibility Report reflects Discount Bank's deep commitment to the subject of social and environmental responsibility, including in matters of corporate governance. The report is being published proximate after the end of 2015, the year in which the Bank has celebrated eighty years since its establishment. Over the years of its existence, Discount Bank has been a leader in social action. This is the fourth Corporate Responsibility Report published by Discount Bank. The report has been prepared for the first time in accordance with the GRI G4 (Global Reporting Initiative) Standard. The transition to the new standard involved the definition of Aspects viewed by the Bank as material reporting Aspects, within the framework of discussions held by the Management and the Board of Directors. In 2010, the Bank joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative. This report constitutes also an annual update of this initiative in respect of 2014. In this respect we reiterate the Bank's commitment to the Global Compact initiative and to its ten principles. Publication of the Social Responsibility Report was made alongside additional reporting frameworks: to the Maala Organization, to the EIRIS research body and to the reporting and recording center of the Israel Ministry of Environmental Protection. This reporting structure reflects the Bank's commitment for transparency and for extending its activity in social responsibility areas. The Corporate Responsibility Report presented below is not only a report or summary of activities, but is also, and mainly, a promise to continue the activities of the Bank and its employees in servicing its customers, continuing to work opposite those involved with the Bank and for the community alongside we work. Within the scope of its social involvement and commitment, the Bank will continue to take action to advance weak populations and encourage its employees to participate in activities for the community, thereby strengthening its social contribution as an organization and as individuals. Furthermore, the Bank has and will take action to integrate environmental considerations as part of its business strategy and credit policy. On behalf of ourselves and the members of the Board of Directors and Management, we support all the volunteers being employees of the Discount Bank Group, and all stakeholders in the social activities and projects led by the Bank. Dr. Yossi Bachar Lilach Asher-Topilsky Chairman of the Board of Directors President & CEO January 31, 2016 A Corporate Responsibility Report - what is it? Corporate responsibility reporting rests on the approach that a corporation must be accountable to the society and the environment in which it operates, and not only to its shareholders. The adoption of this approach leads to a broadening of the scope of reporting, while addressing a wide variety of subjects, aspiring to deal with the full range of social, environmental and economic issues that occupy all the stakeholders of the reporting corporation. A "stakeholder" is anyone that Discount Bank influences or is influenced by: customers, employers, suppliers, shareholders, the community and the environment (it should be noted that as a financial corporation, in its main field of activity - financial brokerage - the Bank's vendors are essentially its customers, which their activity as depositors serves the Bank in providing financial resources. Another significant party is contracted workers, who are discussed in the chapter dealing with employees)1. The dialogue with the stakeholders is being conducted in various channels and is detailed in the different chapters below. The Corporate Responsibility Report complements the corporation's financial statements. Whereas one presents the corporation's financial performance, the second presents the manner in which things are done, the degree of importance that the corporation attributes to the aspirations of its stakeholders, and its efforts to promote areas requiring improvement. The Corporate Responsibility Report is not just a reporting framework, but a platform for ongoing dialogue between the corporation and its stakeholders. The Bank was the first banking corporation to issue a Corporate Responsibility Report in Israel in 2005 (for the years 2003-2004). The second Social Responsibility Report was published in 2009 (for the years 2007-2008). The Bank's Third Social Responsibility Report (for the years 2012-2013) was published in 2014. The publication of the Fourth Social Responsibility Report forms an expression of the Bank's commitment for social responsibility issues and for their importance as part of the Bank's organizational culture. 1 G4-24; G4-25 Corporate responsibility report - Directives of the Supervisor of Banks in Israel On the background of developments regarding the issue of corporate responsibility reporting, and in view of the importance that the Supervisor of Banks attributes to the activity of banking corporations in this respect, the banking groups, in accordance with the Reporting to the Public Directive, are required to publish reports for a period of up to two years concerning corporate responsibility. In accordance with the instructions, the corporate responsibility report may refer to matters such as commitment for involvement in the community, environmental topics, cultivating the staff and work environment, fairness to customers and business ethics. The instructions does not determine the reporting contents, though it is recommended to include therein disclosure regarding relevant quantitative indices as well as relevant standards according to which the banking corporation operates in this field. This report is the second report presented in accordance with the new instructions. It is the Bank's intention to publish a social responsibility report every year. Challenges and opportunities in the field of social responsibility Social responsibility and sustainability is an approach that provides the Bank with a methodological opportunity to make an operative connection between various topics and challenges. Discount Bank has been connected with the community since its establishment. Throughout the years, the Bank has seen itself as a bank that operates within the community, as a bank that operates in the best interests of the customer and his family and as a bank that acts responsibly toward all the stakeholders who influence, or are influenced by, its activities. The Bank is focusing on the challenges facing it in the social responsibility field, on
Recommended publications
  • Inspiringjewish Community
    1 INSPIRINGJEWISH COMMUNITY A GUIDE TO THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT MAKE JEWISH BALTIMORE A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY. THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE ONLINE AT ASSOCIATED.ORG. 3 Table of Contents 4 Uniting Jewish Baltimore 20 Jewish Learning & Connections 37 Women 6 20s & 30s 23 Professionals 39 Ways to Give WELCOME TO INSPIRING JEWISH BALTIMORE, YOUR GUIDE TO INVOLVEMENT 10 Advocacy & Community Building 25 Seniors (55+) 40 Spend Your Weekend in AND RESOURCES IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE Jewish Baltimore 12 Families with Young Children 28 Special Needs ASSOCIATED: JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION OF BALTIMORE. 42 Agencies & Programs 15 Hands-on Volunteering 31 Support Services Throughout this publication, you’ll find the programs and services that make up Jewish 18 Israel & Overseas 34 Teens Baltimore as well as stories of community members just like you – illustrating different paths to involvement and windows of opportunity to participate in Jewish life. What’s in store for you this year? Do you want to mix and mingle with other Jewish families or singles? Do you want to enrich your understanding of Jewish tradition? Are you interested in helping other community members? Or are you looking for ways to deepen family bonds? Lead a life connected to our community. Network with other professionals in your industry at happy hours across town. Build relationships with people overseas and discover the bonds that hold us together. You can do all of that – and more! – right here. Inspiring Jewish Baltimore is here to guide you on that journey. WE HOPE THAT YOU FIND A WAY TO BECOME (OR STAY) INVOLVED IN JEWISH LIFE, HERE IN BALTIMORE AND BEYOND.
    [Show full text]
  • Rabbi Norman Lipson Rabbi Daniel Sherman Temple Dor Dorim Adventure to Israel
    Rabbi Norman Lipson Rabbi Daniel Sherman Temple Dor Dorim Adventure to Israel June 18 – 29, 2017 (As of 9/26/16) Touring together in Israel is an opportunity to Connect – with our brothers and sisters in Israel, with the land itself, and with each other. As a traveling community, we’ll bond through our shared experiences – from the fun and adventurous, to the historical and spiritual. Day 1: Sunday, June 18, 2017: DEPARTURE We depart from the United States on our overnight flight to Israel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 2: Monday, June 19, 2017: ARRIVAL Mid-day arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, with assistance by an Ayelet representative. We stop for a meaningful welcome ceremony led by Rabbi Lipson and Rabbi Sherman, marking our joyful arrival into Israel. Travel north to our kibbutz in the Galilee. Welcome dinner at our kibbutz. O/N Galilee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 3: Tuesday, June 20, 2017: THE GALILEE Breakfast at our kibbutz. ALL: Visit the amazing underground facilities at the Western Galilee Hospital in Naharia. We continue to Bar'am National Park, which overlooks Lebanon and contains the ruins of two of Israel's most beautiful synagogues. FIRST TIMERS: We drive up Mt. Bental. Here we can see clearly into neighboring Syria, and our guide gives us a briefing on the current situation. This afternoon we enjoy a kayaking adventure along the Jordan River. RETURNEES: Re-live the decisive tank battles of the 1973 war at the Oz 77 memorial, including the chance to view the powerful documentary film at nearby Kibbutz El Rom. On the kibbutz we’ll also hear the stories of the northern settlers who so often lived in shelters when Syrians controlled this crucial military high ground.
    [Show full text]
  • HOT News Sprsu17 For
    HOT NEWS Spring/Summer 2017 HOT is about helping The Poor and The Hungry, The Elderly, Youth at Risk, Individuals with Special Needs, and those who need Compassionate Care, or are Victims of War Terror or a Natural Disaster. We have helped these people, all of whom without the help of HOT would have continued to suffer. We did this with 100% of the money we raised going to people that needed our help. No overhead of any kind is charged to any donor’s gift other than one donor who pays for all of these expenses and makes a large enough programmatic gift to “seed” all of HOT’s programs. This booklet describes all of HOT’s current programs. For ease of reading we use red print to emphasize our initiatives where we Help People Help Themselves – projects where HOT helps people gain or regain their financial independence. We feed and clothe the poor, but realize that unless we teach them what is necessary for them to get a (new) job, they will continue in the never-ending cycle of poverty. We use blue print, to designate grants we have already made or designations you can make, where our dollars are leveraged, by having it matched with money raised by our partners. You will see opportunities to leverage YOUR gift to help the people you think have the greatest need. We use yellow highlighting for strong emphasis. You will see opportunities to help individuals, and in many cases, entire families, to escape the endless cycle of poverty. In its year ended June 30, 2016, HOT raised $1,168,000 from 172 donors.
    [Show full text]
  • Itinerary Is Proprietary to Keshet and Is Intended for the Promotion of and to Inform Those Considering Joining This Keshet Trip
    LIKE DREAMERS JERUSALEM MEGA MISSION Commemorating 50 years of United Jerusalem Monday, May 22 – Sunday, May 28 "What unites the Jewish people isn't any holy place in Jerusalem but Jerusalem itself" Keshet: The Center for Educational Tourism in Israel is pleased to present a unique experience, celebrating and exploring 50 years of united Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem has been the spiritual center for the Jewish people worldwide for millennia. The opportunity of making Yerushalayim shel Mata – earthly Jerusalem - the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people was realized on June 7, 1967. The unification of Jerusalem is both complex and riddled with challenges. Today we are faced with "the unbearable choice between preserving the intactness of the people of Israel and the intactness of the land of Israel." (Yossi Klein Halevi, Like Dreamers) Like Dreamers will allow us to both celebrate Jerusalem and explore some of the most poignant issues facing the city today and in the future. Monday, May 22 Baruchim HaBa’im (Welcome!) ● Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport ● Transfer to Jerusalem and check-in to hotels ● From 2:00 p.m. there will be optional afternoon walking tours of Jerusalem: o Who really assassinated Count Folke Bernadotte? o A walk through Jerusalem History: Jerusalem’s new Park Hamesila o The Jerusalem Municipal Line: 1949 – 1967: From Abu Tor to Mt. Zion ● Program begins in Jerusalem at 5:00 p.m. with pickup at hotels ● Welcome by Mayor Nir Barkat at his office in the Jerusalem Municipality ● Festive arrival banquet dinner overlooking Jerusalem. Overnight: Jerusalem Tuesday, May 23 Heavenly and Earthly Jerusalem ● Meet Photo-journalist David Rubinger whom former Israeli President Shimon Peres called the "photographer of the nation in the making" to see his portfolio of photographs of the history of the State of Israel, from its birth.
    [Show full text]
  • A Step Forward
    Ch F-X ang PD e w w m w Click to buy NOW! o . .c tr e ac ar THE JERUSALEM POST ker-softw ISRAEL LOCAL AFFAIRS SUPPLEMENT FOR GUSH DAN AND BEYOND JANUARY 14, 2011 JANUARY METRO A step forward The Jaffa Institute is giving kids the chance to break the cycle of poverty and set their goals higher Ch F-X ang PD e w w m w Click to buy NOW! o . .c tr e ac ar Cover ker-softw ‘Thank you for giving me a future’ The Jaffa Institute, founded by a new-immigrant social worker and an Israeli war hero turned fund-raiser to help kids and their parents break the cycle of poverty, is a family operation in more ways than one • By YOCHEVED MIRIAM RUSSO ntil he was six, “Motti” enjoyed everything a warm, loving family could provide. His father, a Utaxi driver, earned enough to provide a comfort- able, if modest, Tel Aviv home. His mother stayed home, caring for Motti and his seven brothers and sisters. Life was good – until disaster struck: Motti’s father died. The family foundered. With no marketable skills, Motti’s mother consid- ered herself lucky to get work as a cleaner in the Tel Aviv central bus station, even though she earned little and worked achingly long hours. No longer able to afford the Tel Aviv house, the family moved to a run- ’THE CHILD has to want to be helped. If he or she doesn’t want to be here, there’s not much we can do,’ says down apartment on a crime-ridden street in an Dana Karni, head of educational programming at the Jaffa Institute.
    [Show full text]
  • Our6million PDF Summary 2017
    Our 6 Million, Summary of Accomplishments Yom Hashoah 2017 The Vision To keep the memory of the Holocaust alive The Mission To instill a family tradition of remembering the perished “Just think, perhaps you are the only hope I have. Fulfill it.” Elie Wiesel, when asked by students what would happen when there were no more holocaust survivors left to tell the story. A Candle for Every Name "What in retrospect starts as a tie that connects between the children to people perished, is really the partnership between The tradition of lighting the Jewish nation and it history." a personal memorial candle Givon elementary school, Nesher with family and friends ensures that the memory "...we felt like we are discovering new of the perished will continue information and uniting together as one nation with a memory." to be heard and their memory Tedhar elementary school, will remain alive Upper Yokneam for future generations. Activities offered Activity Programs designed for different Light a personal memorial candle age groups Prepare and print a label and attach Select an to a standard existing label memorial candle from the website, Add names to the Names and print Remembered database independently We're Growing - Candles lit 900,000 846,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 546,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 315,000 200,000 200,000 100,000 7,500 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 We're Growing - 2016 - 1,220 Israeli schools participated Number of People Remembered 2017 - 2,260 Israeli schools participated STATE OF ISRAEL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 35,000 30,000 30,000
    [Show full text]
  • Dear Shareholders
    Dear Shareholders, What we did in 2017 This year, we continued the realization of the business plan we outlined at the beginning of 2016, namely, simplifying the company structure, increasing our private real estate portfolio as a percentage of our total portfolio, and lowering the company’s leverage. North America In March 2017, the merger between Equity One and Regency Centers was completed, forming the largest shopping center company in the United States. Upon completion of the merger, we sold, for the first time, shares of a public A brief summary of our year-end results company that we founded, achieving a levered IRR of approximately 21%* over our 25-year investment. Additionally, we sold shares of First Gazit-Globe had an excellent year in 2017. Our Capital Realty, our Canadian business which we FFO per share rose by approximately 19%, to grew and improved over 17 years, achieving a NIS 3.58, compared to NIS 3.02 per share in levered IRR of approximately 20%*. 2016. Meanwhile, the equity per share as of the end of 2017 totalled approximately NIS 51.4 per In June, we founded Gazit Horizons, which share, compared to NIS 41.7 per share at the end serves as our private investment arm in the U.S. of 2016, an increase of approximately NIS 1.8 We recruited a U.S. regional team of Equity One billion (22%), despite the ongoing appreciation of alumni who have deep experience in the markets the shekel vis-à-vis other currencies in which we in which we are active.
    [Show full text]
  • BJE Israel Program Brochure 2019.Indd
    “BY FAR THE BEST 5 WEEKS OF MY LIFE.” (SHANIE A) A once in a life - This program has been designed specifically for students who are attending any public or private school outside of the Jewish Day Schools (as these schools each have their own programs). This trip is an opportunity for teenagers to visit Israel in a well-structured, modern educational setting where they can explore, embrace and experience more than they could ever have imagined. Together they will live and breathe the culture, history and magic of Israel. Students will depart towards the end of the school year and return in January. This program has widespread support, both from the Jewish community and school principals. Youth 2 Israel $5,000 vouchers Youth 2 Israel (Y2i) grants $5,000 vouchers to every Year 10 student from NSW / ACT / QLD with at least one Jewish parent, to make participation in an approved Israel-based educational program affordable. The Y2i vouchers are made possible through the generosity of communal donors, who understand the role of these programs in fostering the continuity of our local Jewish community. Y2i is supported by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, JCA, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, JNF and UIA NSW. Additional means tested funding is also available, for those who require further support. Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) AMHSI will continue their long association of operating programs for Australian students, from various schools. Established in 1972, AMHSI has been pioneering the academic and experiential study of Israel and Jewish history, at the high school level.
    [Show full text]
  • The Chronicle the Community Newspaper of the Jewish Council of North Central Florida
    The Chronicle The Community Newspaper of the Jewish Council of North Central Florida Summer 2017 Kayitz 5777 JCNCF Looks Forward to Another Busy Program Year By Virginia Brissette Hirshik to Ethiopian Jewish villages in 1981 service for the Gainesville community President & CEO, JCNCF and has spent the last 40 years working will include many projects that benefit The summer issue of The Chronicle tirelessly on their behalf. partner charities in North Central Flori- is always a treat to produce. Since its Be sure to save the date for Sunday, da and beyond. production occurs after most of our October 29 when JCNCF will celebrate We’re also excited about our project regular program year has passed, we the Jaffa Institute’s 35th Anniversary. to collect and display artifacts related have more time to create a 16 page is- Since the late 1990s, the Jewish com- to families of local Holocaust survivors, sue filled with photos and “thank yous” munity of North Central Florida has which will be exhibited as part of the to the many sponsors, volunteers and enjoyed a close relationship with this JCNCF’s annual Yom HaShoah commu- community partners who made some Israeli social service agency which pro- nity remembrance in April 2018. Look of our recent events possible. The Jew- vides critical educational, recreation- for more information about this year- ish Council is grateful to these individ- al and social enrichment programs long project on page 4. uals, organizations and businesses for for greater Tel Aviv’s most vulnerable We hope you have enjoyed JCNCF’s their support.
    [Show full text]
  • Brandeis University Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies
    Brandeis University Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies The New Philanthropy: American Jewish Giving to Israeli Organizations Eric Fleisch Theodore Sasson April 2012 The New Philanthropy © 2012 Brandeis University Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies Additional copies of this publication are available from: Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies Brandeis University Mailstop 014 Waltham, MA 02454-9110 781.736.2060 www.brandeis.edu/cmjs The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, founded in 1980, is dedicated to providing independent, high quality research on issues related to contemporary Jewish life. The Cohen Center is also the home of the Steinhardt Social Research Institute (SSRI). Established in 2005, SSRI uses innovative research methods to collect and analyze socio-demographic data on the Jewish community. The New Philanthropy i Acknowledgments We thank members of our research team including Yael Kletter, Hillel Buechler, Emily Baum, Benjamin Briscer, and Monica Pevzner. We also thank our colleagues and experts in the field of Jewish philanthropy who reviewed a draft of the report, including Charles Kadushin, Jack Wertheimer, Benjamin Gidron, Chaim I. Waxman, Barry Kosmin, David Rosenn, David Dolev, Misha Galperin, Jeffrey Solomon, Shmuel Rosner, Gabriel Sheffer, and Leonard Saxe. Finally, we thank Ilan Troen and members of the Schusterman Israel Studies Seminar for inviting Eric to present this research and for offering helpful suggestions. ii The New Philanthropy About the Authors Eric Fleisch is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. He is also a Fellow at the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies.
    [Show full text]
  • Future-Sponsorship-Golf.Pdf
    JNF FUTURE 2018 JNF FUTURE is an opportunity for the next generation to get involved with the Jewish National Fund (JNF), the premier charitable organization specializing in the development of Israeli land and infrastructure. JNF Future aims to engage individuals between the ages of 25 to 40 through programming & events, missions to Israel and forums with young Jewish leaders. The goal is to increase support and awareness for JNF’s initiatives, and ultimately to raise funds for these initiatives in order to enhance the lives of the people THE FOUR PILLARS OF JNF FUTURE ARE: FUNDRAISING OUTREACH Creating initiatives in our city that will benefit and enhance Engaging young adults and young professionals in the land of Israel and lives of Israeli citizens through JNF meaningful Israel-focused and Zionist programming that projects. makes a difference in our community and in the State of Israel. AWARENESS Creating opportunities for young professionals to learn LEADERSHIP about different projects and causes JNF helps support; Creating occassions for prospective young leaders to be a teaching the different ways JNF is working in research and part of JNF’s future and helping it to grow and succeed. development to help grow/nourish Israel. APRIL 21, 2018 MAY 24, 2018 AUGUST 8, 2018 First annual young professional Yom After three years running, Tech Shuk First annual young professional golf Ha’atzmaut party. The event will bring the now stands out as one of the highlights tournament. It will take place at the Tel Aviv block party to Toronto, with food of the JNF calendar, bringing together beautiful Lebovic Golf Course.
    [Show full text]
  • Report on Impact Strengthening Israel & Her People
    2019 Report On Impact Strengthening Israel & Her People © 2020 IFCJ © 2020 IFCJ © 2020 IFCJ © 2020 IFCJ © 2020 IFCJ © 2020 IFCJ Letter from the President Your support for Israel and the Jewish people has always made the work of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) possible. And your unwavering support was no more apparent than in the challenging year that was 2019. On February 6, 2019, my father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, passed away suddenly. I lost my abba, my father. The Fellowship lost its founder, its president. And we lost the man who had shepherded what is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel, one that has to date raised more than $1.8 billion for Photo: Eric Sultan our charitable work. Even though my father expected to continue his lifework for a long time, he also prophetically built a system that would carry on without him. And carry on The Fellowship has, thanks to you. Your sacrificial gifts—large and small—continue to serve God’s people. The Fellowship helps the impoverished, provides security for Jewish communities around the world, and helps Jews from around the world immigrate to their biblical homeland, Israel. For more than 36 years, my father was right there with you as you supported and protected thousands of needy people in Israel, the former Soviet Union, and beyond. And now I have the privilege to continue this work—with you— into the future. This document is a roster of all of The Fellowship’s lifesaving works. As Moses wrote in Psalm 90, the first of the biblical psalms to be written: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us” (v.17).
    [Show full text]