V. Special Agents/Individual and Anonymous Support ($47,841.03)

If there has been one area of Ziv’s focus that has grown exponentially this year it is our work through specially-appointed agents whom we appoint, give Tzedakah money to, and who then provide individual and anonymous support. It is this work that, perhaps, is most gratifying and tangible. As Ziv agents these people have the ability to truly transform someone’s life in ways that are often simple but profound. Here in the United States we have worked on many fronts. Whether it be helping to provide food for a family overwhelmed with medical expenses, contributing toward life-saving surgery for a young woman, or paying utility bills and loan payments for a family deeply impacted by the World Trade Center disaster — this work is immediate and incredibly important.

In Argentina, we were able to offer support to a community ravaged by economic devastation, and in South Africa we added funds to a campaign that will provide money for a home for a poor family.

Today, however, we have seen our greatest growth in this Mitzvah-category in Israel. It is our connections with several hospital social workers and others working on the front lines that give us this opportunity to change lives. Here are only a few moving examples of where our funds have truly made a difference:

v      We forwarded funds for an Ethiopian family who could not afford critically-needed contact lenses for their new baby, born with Down Syndrome.

v      A family in the southern part of Israel has a child who must undergo dialysis three times a week in a Jerusalem hospital (the facility closest to its home). Prior to our involvement the mother and toddler traveled on public transportation three hours in each direction. Our funds were used to supplement the Bituach Leumi (National Social Security), which provides only half of the money needed for a private cab.

v      Cab fares are now provided to a family that has been devastated by the tragic Versailles building collapse in Jerusalem almost two years ago. With our help, family members are able to travel daily to the hospital where their loved one remains unconscious and critically ill.

v      A special healthy hot breakfast is now provided for several individuals recovering from mental illness before they begin their work day in a sheltered workshop.

v      Quantities of Pesach food are now being prepared for several families in a Jerusalem neighborhood who would otherwise go without. The initiative was started by a local woman who saw so many people living on the economic edge on neighboring streets she felt she had to just do something.