Posted on 02/11/23
Baltimore, MD - Feb. 7, 2023 - While here in Baltimore, exciting preparations are underway for the upcoming May 21st, Ishay Ribo Unity Concert, on Motzaei Shabbos, February 5th, at the Yad L’olim, Ishay Ribo Concert in Jerusalem, Frank Storch, director of The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra, actually met with Ishay Ribo. “It was a great sold-out show,” said Frank, “the joyful energy and achdus at an Ishay Ribo concert, where there are so many different types of Jews, is unique and we are so excited to bring him to Baltimore.”
More importantly, however, is the focus of Frank’s trip to Israel, which was to increase safety and security for American and English-speaking students and tourists. The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra provided free and informative Stay Safe in Israel workshops to many yeshivas and seminaries based on the guide distributed to thousands annually. Frank also had the opportunity to distribute thousands of free Stay Safe in Israel emergency cards, which list emergency phone numbers for first responders and has already proven to be a life-saving resource. An Aish Hatorah student, Shmulie Vladimirsky, whom Frank randomly ran into, shared about a frightening incident where his friend who was having a severe allergic reaction stopped breathing. Because of the pressure of the moment, he did not know how to respond. He then suddenly remembered he had the emergency card in his wallet and was able to call first responders. They came immediately and saved his friend’s life!
Additionally, after the shocking and deadly terror attack in Neve Yaakov on Friday night, January 27, Shomrim of Neve Yaakov and community leaders reached out to Frank to review their security measures and discuss important ways to tighten the security at their institutions and shuls. They were very appreciative of the meeting and the extensive list of ideas provided which detailed simple and cost-efficient immediate steps to take. The meeting was then followed up with another meeting with Neve Yaakov policemen to discuss various ideas to implement as well.
Frank also met with representatives of several major Israel-American organizations to further The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra’s reach in Israel. One dedicated advocate he met with was Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz, Director of the Eretz Hakodesh Party and the Igud for Yeshivas and Seminaries, who helped thousands of international yeshiva and seminary students enter Israel during the Covid-19 pandemic. They discussed their shared interest in keeping seminary and yeshiva students as safe as possible and plan to work together in the future.
In the midst of all of this, The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra also distributed trademark reflector belts to many to help them remain visible and safe at night. Frank noted, “All of this is just a drop in the bucket. There is so much more we need to do to help all our communities and I can’t wait to share some of The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra’s goals at the upcoming unity concert. The concert will also benefit our critical community organizations, Ahavas Yisroel, CHANA, Hatzalah, Shomrim, and Tikvah House.”
To download a free copy of Stay Safe in Israel, and to view other important safety, security, and community initiatives and literature visit, chesedfund.com. For sponsorship opportunities for the Ishay Ribo May 21st concert, email ishayriboconcert@gmail.com.
