The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) is distributing financial support, blankets, and heaters to approximately 8,300 elderly people across Israel who are in desperate need of heating assistance.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (Keren L’Yedidut) initiated its annual “Warming With Fellowship” operation in response to the massive winter storms that have struck Israel over the last couple of weeks.  


The following is an English translation of remarks made by the elderly Israeli in the attached video who received a heat radiator from The Fellowship:

 “I was surprised today with people, from The Fellowship, who connected with me, came to me and brought me a radiator and a gift, and I am honored that there are people who care about us.”

Although the stormy weather has brought much-needed rainfall, many Israelis cannot meet the economic burden of paying for heating, particularly when temperatures fall to unusually low levels as they have over the last few weeks. 

The most vulnerable Israelis during such times are thousands of poor, elderly citizens whose meager incomes are insufficient for them to even cover their most basic necessities. As a result, they find themselves in a terrible predicament: they must choose between heating their homes and purchasing food, medicines, and other supplies that they need just to survive.

The Fellowship’s initiative provides 8300 of such elderly citizens with blankets, heaters, and financial grants to help them pay for heavy electricity costs associated with prolonged use of heating. Each one will receive a grant of NIS 300 and a blanket. Some of those without heating systems in their homes will also be given radiators. 

The total cost of the assistance, all of which is being distributed through welfare departments for senior citizens living in localities designated as low on the socioeconomic level, comes to NIS 2.5 million. All of the 8300 elderly citizens do not qualify to receive financial support provided by Israel’s National Insurance Institute for vulnerable citizens during the winter. 

President and CEO of The Fellowship, Yael Eckstein, said, "During the winter, the plight of poor, elderly Israelis becomes even harder and even poses great health risks. Many of them are faced with the inhumane choice of heating their homes or buying basic necessities such as food or medicine. While we welcome the rains and enjoy sitting in our warm homes while it is cold and stormy outside, we have not forgotten the elderly, who don’t have the same comforts. It is important that they know they are not alone.”