Bridges for Peace in Action Vol. #770420A April 2020 Feeding New Immigrants in Their Time of Need Michio Nagata/bridgesforpeace.com “WE KNEW YOU WOULD COME. You have helped us in the sector lost their jobs. Within a mere three weeks, un- before and we knew you would again. We recognize you. employment has more than quadrupled, skyrocketing from You are the people who help. You are the people who bless. 3.6% to 22.7%, with nearly 800,000 Israelis registering for HaShem will bless you.” unemployment since the beginning of the month. Tzvi Khaute’s eyes were pools of tears as he looked at The Bnei Menashe and Chinese Jews from Kaifeng are the pallets of food a team from Bridges for Peace was busy among those who now face a bleak future without an income unpacking—food that would help feed Tzvi’s community, to support their families. More than 200 Bnei Menashe olim the Bnei Menashe. The Bnei Menashe (literally “Sons of (immigrants) have now Menashe”) are descendants of one of the Ten Lost Tribes lost their jobs. Moreover, of Israel living in northeastern India and have steadily been many Chinese Jewish fulfilling their dream of many generations to return to the olim working in the tour- Land from which they were exiled more than 27 centuries ism industry are now un- ago—with the help of Shavei Israel, an organization helping expectedly unemployed Jewish descendants reclaim their roots. as hotels, tour agencies and popular tourist Tzvi made aliyah (immigrated to Israel) 20 years ago and attractions have shut made a life for himself and his family in the “Promised Land,” their doors. While near- as the community lovingly refers to Israel. Today, he is part of ly every nation in the the Shavei Israel team that assists the Bnei Menashe as they world is currently bat- undertake a similar journey from the land of their birth to the tling the invisible ene- Land of their promise. “We are a hardworking community,” my, these new olim are Tzvi says, eager to play their part in prospering Israel. engaged in a double However, for many of the Bnei Menashe, this is no longer battle of making their an option. home in their new country in the midst Over the past three weeks, Israel has made every effort of a pandemic. to curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, implement- ing strict regulations to ensure self-isolation and social dis- Ruth, 30, is a tancing. While these measures are crucial to the health and mother of three. well-being of Israel’s population, the economic impact has She and her hus- sent many reeling. Employers sent 85% of their workforce to band barely make work from home or take unpaid leave. As the usually thriving ends meet when both tourism industry ground to a complete halt, many working work. The prospect of Daniel Kirchhevel/bridgesforpeace.com INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: PO Box 1093, Jerusalem, Israel 9101001 • Tel: 02-624-5004 • [email protected] without pay when the coronavirus hit. The situation is dire. Many of these new immigrant families live from paycheck to paycheck as they settle into the land and have to stretch every cent to make ends meet. Now, with Passover—one of the most widely celebrated festivals on the Jewish calendar, marking freedom from slavery—around the corner, many fear they won’t have enough to feed their families, much less celebrate the festival. Bridges for Peace has assisted the Bnei Menashe Michio Nagata/bridgesforpeace.com before in happy times, partnering with Shavei Israel to help community members come home. Now, in hard times, Bridges for Peace will once again help these families weather the storm. We have already made a generous delivery of food and gift certificates to those in need, but more is needed. As the lockdown con- no income affects her family “mentally and physically,” she shared. tinues and more employees are sent home without Miriam, 35, has four children. The youngest is autistic and attends pay, more of these new immigrant families will lose a special kindergarten. Baite’s five-year-old daughter has special their ability to put food on the table. Will you help us needs and must attend costly therapy twice a month. Kokhava, 52, answer their cry for help? Will you give generously to is widowed and the only breadwinner in the family. Her two children, help these new immigrant families who heeded God’s both soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces, depend on her for financial call to return to the Land remain steadfast and weath- support. These are but a few of the people who were sent on leave er the winds of financial hardship and lack? 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